Young-Hwa Goo

Young-Hwa Goo, PhD is the Director of Graduate Studies in Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. With a PhD from Baylor College of Medicine (2009) and postdoctoral training at Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea (2004), Dr. Goo leads a research program focused on the molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases, particularly investigating the relationship between lipid metabolism and inflammation in atherosclerosis.

Dr. Goo's educational background includes:

• PhD from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (2009)
• Postdoctoral training at Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea (2004)

Dr. Goo's research primarily investigates the intertwined mechanisms of lipid metabolism and inflammation, which are major driving forces of atherogenesis. The laboratory employs proteomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics approaches to study macrophage foam cell formation and lipid droplet-associated proteins. Current research focuses on using genetically modified mouse models (knock-out, transgenic, and CRISPR-Cas9 edited knock-in mice) to understand how lipid droplet-associated proteins impact atherosclerosis development. The ultimate goal is to translate these findings into clinical applications through the discovery of small molecules that can intervene in lipid metabolism and inflammation of macrophage foam cells.

Analysis of Dr. Goo's publication record reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on lipid droplet biology and its implications for atherosclerosis and metabolic diseases. The work spans multiple disciplines including molecular biology, biochemistry, cardiovascular research, and systems biology. Key trends include the identification and characterization of novel lipid droplet-associated proteins, the application of multi-omics approaches to understand metabolic regulation, and the translation of basic findings into potential therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Goo's scientific contributions include:

• Identification of novel lipid droplet-associated proteins in macrophage foam cells
• Elucidation of the role of lipid droplets in drug accumulation and activation
• Investigation of how circadian disruption (shift work patterns) accelerates atherosclerosis
• Development of approaches to regulate the lipidome of macrophage foam cells

As Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Goo oversees the graduate program in Molecular and Cellular Physiology, mentoring students in research focused on metabolic diseases and cardiovascular biology. The laboratory employs a range of cutting-edge techniques including proteomics, lipidomics, transcriptomics, and genetically modified mouse models to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis. Current research directions include drug screening for compounds that regulate lipid metabolism in macrophage foam cells and exploring the protective role of lipid droplet-associated hydrolases against atherosclerosis.

Dr. Goo's laboratory represents an interdisciplinary research environment that bridges basic science and translational applications, with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.