Heung-Woo Park

Where do you work?

Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital

What are your research interests?

Generally, my primary research interest is how variations in the human genome and transcriptome affect the pathogenesis of asthma and the response to anti-asthmatic drugs. Over time, I have performed integrative genomics studies using network-based approaches; Bayesian network, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network and Gene Regulatory Network. I am sure these integrative approaches will open a new window for us to understand a complex nature of genomics. As an allergist, I have strong research interests in the clinical characteristics of severe asthmatics and elderly asthmatics. I am actively joining a nation-wide research network on severe asthma and searching for biomarkers predicting airway remodeling observed in severe asthmatics. In addition, I am interested in factors associated with a rapid decline in lung function. Recently, I have reported that blood eosinophil counts, serum vitamin D and uric acid levels, and body muscle and fat composition are significantly associated with rapid FEV1 declines in healthy individuals. I can access a huge database consisted of over 30,000 healthy individuals with follow-up periods greater than 10 years, which may provide an impetus for my continued work involving the risk factors for a rapid lung function decline. For basic researches, I have special interests on the pathogenesis of non-allergic asthma and elderly asthma. I have established murine models of non-allergic asthma and elderly asthma and perform researches focusing on innate immune cells (ILC2s and M2 macrophages), cytokines (IL-23 and IL-1β), genes (CARD11 and GLS1), and transcriptional factors (mTOR and Notch).

What scientific achievements are you most proud of?

Over time, I have performed integrative genomics studies using network-based approaches; Bayesian network, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network and Gene Regulatory Network. I am sure these integrative approaches will open a new window for us to understand a complex nature of genomics.

Who nominated you to join the Collegium?

You-Young Kim and Kelan G. Tantisira

How has being a member of the Collegium benefited your career?

I have joined the CIA since JAN 2023 and thus my carrier as a CIA member is in its infancy. However, I know well that all CIA members are leading researchers and clinicians as well in the field of allergy and immunology. Accordingly, I am so happy to be a member of such a splendid collegium. Being a CIA member means an honorable recognition for my accomplishments from my colleagues and seniors, I think. And it also ensures my independence as a researcher. In a close association with CIA members, I will develop and shape my future carrier. I hope I will contribute to achieving the collegium aims; to promote the humble spirit of scientific inquiry, friendly cooperation, good fellowship and professional relationships in the field of allergy  

Inducted into the Collegium: January 2023