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

• Professor, SNU Chemistry, Korea, 2025-current
• Associate Professor, SNU Chemistry, Korea, 2018-2025
• Assistant/Associate Professor, UNIST Chemistry, Korea, 2013-2018
• Postdoctoral Researcher, MIT Chemistry, USA, 2010-2012