In a human cell, around 20,000 different human proteins are known to be expressed. These proteins are not uniformly distributed throughout the cell, but they are located in highly specific targeted spaces and form a variety of microenvironments. To map localized protein information in a sub-cellular "space of interest", we develop a new protein mapping method based on compatible protein label chemistry in living cellular physiology. This new method called proximity labeling has the potential to uncover new protein components that are not mapped by traditional protein purification methods such as co-immunoprecipitation. This method can be extended to uncover spatiotemporal subcellular distribution of other biomolecules such as nucleic acids and metabolites in living cells and in live animals.

• Ph.D. Organic Chemistry, Seoul National University, Korea, 2009
• B.S. Biological Sciences and Chemistry (Double Major), Seoul National University, Korea, 2004

• Associate Professor, UNIST Chemistry, Korea, 2017-2018
• Assistant Professor, UNIST Chemistry, Korea, 2013-2017
• Postdoctoral Researcher, MIT Chemistry, USA, 2010-2012

1. “Contact-ID, a new tool for profiling organelle contact site, reveals regulatory proteins of mitochondrial-associated membrane formation” Kwak C†, Shin S†, Park JS†, Jung M, Nhung TTM, Kang MG, Lee C, Kwon TH, Park SK*, Mun JY*, Kim JS*, and Rhee HW*, PNAS, 2020, 117, 12109-12120
2. “Architecture Mapping of the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Proteome by Cheimcal Tools in Live Cells.” Lee SY, Kang MG, Shin S, Kwak C, Kwon T, Seo JK*, Kim JS*, and Rhee HW*, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 3651-3662.
3. “Structure-Guided Synthesis of a Protein-Based Fluorescent Sensor for Alkyl Halides”, Kang MG†, Lee H†, Kim BH, Dunbayev Y, Seo JK, Lee C*, Rhee HW*, Chem. Commun. 2017, 53, 9226-9229.
4. “Proximity-Directed Labeling Reveals a New Rapamycin-Induced Heterodimer of FKBP25 and FRB in Live Cells.” Lee SY†, Lee H†, Lee HK, Lee SW, Ha SC, Kwon T, Seo JK*, Lee C*, and Rhee HW* ACS Cent. Sci. 2016, 2, 506-516.
5. “In Cellulo Mapping of Subcellular Localized Bilirubin.” Park JS, Nam E, Lee HK, Lim MH*, and Rhee HW* ACS Chem. Biol. 2016, 11, 2177-2185.
6. “APEX fingerprinting reveals the subcellular localization of proteins of interest.” Lee SY, Kang MG, Park JS, Lee G, Ting AY*, Rhee HW* Cell Rep. 2016, 15, 1837-1847