Hyun Ok “Kate” Lee

Dr. Hyun Ok “Kate” Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on biomolecular condensates, particularly RNA granules and DNA damage repair sites, and their roles in cellular stress response and neurodegenerative diseases. She established her lab in 2018 after completing postdoctoral training at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics under Tony Hyman.

• Education: PhD in Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina (supervised by Bob Duronio), undergraduate research at the University of Michigan (Sean Morrison's lab).
• Teaching: Courses include BCH2136H Biological Condensates and BCH473Y Advanced Research Project in Biochemistry.

Research Interests
The Lee lab investigates how non-membrane-bound organelles, termed biomolecular condensates, regulate cellular health and function. Key areas include the dynamics of RNA granules and DNA damage repair sites, their dysregulation in diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and the cellular mechanisms preventing protein aggregation in neurodegeneration. Using quantitative live imaging and biochemical approaches in human stem cells and neurons, her team explores:

• Regulation of condensate assembly and composition.
• Roles in stress response and disease pathogenesis.
• Therapeutic strategies for condensate-related disorders.

Article Trends
Her publications reflect expertise in phase separation, protein-RNA interactions, and neurodegeneration. Subfields include ALS proteinopathies, autophagy modulation, and DNA repair dynamics, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches combining cell biology, molecular biophysics, and disease modeling.

Advising & Mentorship
Dr. Lee is recognized for mentoring trainees in stem cell research, graduate programs, and biomedical career development, contributing to education and professional growth initiatives.

Labs & Collaborations
The Lee Lab collaborates with institutions like the Max Planck Institute and works with advanced technologies in single-molecule biophysics, X-ray crystallography, and human neuronal cultures.