Hyojung Choo

Hyojung Choo serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at Emory University School of Medicine, where she leads pioneering research on craniofacial muscle biology and neuromuscular disorders. Her work bridges basic science and translational applications to address critical unmet needs in muscular dystrophy and dysphagia.

Dr. Choo earned both her PhD and BS from Korea University. Her laboratory investigates the unique properties of craniofacial muscles—including facial, eye, and swallowing muscles—that exhibit differential susceptibility to muscular dystrophies. While limb muscles degenerate severely in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, craniofacial muscles remain relatively spared, whereas the opposite occurs in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.

Her research program focuses on three interconnected pillars: (1) stem cell regulation of craniofacial muscle dysfunction, (2) development of wearable electronics for dysphagia assessment and treatment, and (3) drug discovery for muscular dystrophies (LGMD/DMD) and vascular diseases. She employs innovative approaches including nanomembrane sensors, animal models, and stem cell engineering.

Analysis of her publication record reveals a strategic shift toward translational technologies, with recent high-impact work in Advanced Science and Nature Communications demonstrating wireless wearable systems for swallowing assessment and drug efficacy testing in ALS models. Her research consistently connects mitochondrial biology, stem cell dynamics, and clinical applications.

Dr. Choo actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in her Whitehead Research Building laboratory. Her team combines expertise in cell biology, biomedical engineering, and clinical sciences to develop novel therapeutics and diagnostic tools for neuromuscular disorders affecting millions.

The laboratory utilizes state-of-the-art facilities including cleanroom fabrication for wearable electronics, advanced microscopy for muscle histology, and specialized animal models for craniofacial muscle research. Current projects focus on translating basic discoveries about satellite cell regulation into clinical interventions for dysphagia and muscular dystrophy.