Yohan Choi

Dr. Yohan Choi serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where he joined in 2022 after completing extensive postdoctoral training. His academic trajectory reflects deep specialization in reproductive biology with a focus on translational research bridging immunology and endocrinology.

Education:

• PhD in Bioresources and Technology, Yonsei University, South Korea (2014)
• Postdoctoral Scholar, OB/Gyn Female Reproductive Endocrinology Lab (2015-2022)

Research Interests: Dr. Choi's pioneering work centers on reproductive immunology, specifically investigating how immune cells facilitate the ovulatory process in mouse and human ovaries. Utilizing next-generation sequencing and advanced bioinformatics, his lab identifies critical leukocyte-derived factors that regulate ovarian function. His research integrates molecular biology, immunology, and endocrinology to uncover novel mechanisms in follicular development, with significant implications for understanding infertility and developing therapeutic interventions for reproductive disorders.

Publication Trends: Analysis of Dr. Choi's 15 most recent publications (2025-2018) reveals a consistent focus on ovulatory mechanisms across multiple model systems. Key themes include the discovery of novel ovulatory factors (e.g., Oncostatin-M), transcription factor regulation (FOS/AP-1, Core Binding Factors), and immune-endocrine crosstalk in ovarian function. His work spans human clinical samples, mouse genetic models, and pig reproductive physiology, demonstrating exceptional methodological versatility. Notable contributions include single-cell mapping of follicular immune microenvironments and investigations into viral receptor expression (ACE2) in ovarian tissue.

Grants: His research program is sustained by competitive funding from the Lalor Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), supporting investigations into the molecular basis of ovulation and reproductive immunology.

Laboratory: Dr. Choi leads the Choi Lab within the Women's Health Research division at UK, which operates at the intersection of reproductive immunology and ovarian biology. The lab employs cutting-edge genomic technologies to dissect cellular interactions during critical reproductive processes, with particular emphasis on leukocyte contributions to ovulation and follicular development.