Sung Min Han, PhD

My research focuses on understanding how organisms maintain neuronal function throughout their lifespan and how changes in the nervous system influence overall organismal aging and health. Specifically, I investigate the mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial morphology, localization, and function within neuronal subcellular regions such as synapses and neurites. This includes studying how mitochondria respond to environmental stress, injury, disease, and aging, as well as how they communicate with the host cell in a bidirectional manner to coordinate stress responses and cellular adaptation. In addition, my lab explores how mitochondrial alterations in specific neurons can exert systemic effects on organismal aging and health. I also serve as Course Director for GMS6893 – Clinical and Translational Science Seminar Series, GMS6622 – Mitochondrial Biology in Aging and Disease, and GMS6771 – Clinical Neuroscience of Aging.

My long-term research goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of two key aspects: (i) how the nervous system maintains its function and structural integrity throughout an organism’s lifespan, and (ii) how these processes impact the overall aging and health of the organism.

At present, my research objectives are centered around investigating the following key areas: i) Exploring how aging neurons regulate mitochondrial dynamics and localization in response to localized demands and injury. ii) Investigating the role of mitochondria in controlling nuclear gene expression under specific conditions, with a focus on aging and injury. iii) Examining how mitochondria respond to environmental stressors and their influence on the aging process and overall organismal health. iv) Understanding how stress on mitochondria within the nervous system can impact an organism’s lifespan and healthspan.

To address these research questions, we employ the nematode C. elegans as a powerful genetic and in vivo model system, allowing us to delve into these complex issues.