Sangkyu Lee Lab @ibs

Biomolecular Design Lab · IBS

Engineering the Brain through Biomolecular Design

We design molecular technologies to visualize, control, and remodel cellular communication in the brain.

Explore our research
Abstract illustration of biomolecular design and brain connectivity, with teal and olive networks linked by rust-colored molecular modules; conceptual artwork, not experimental data.
FIG. 01 Biomolecular design for brain engineering · conceptual illustration

Our scientific philosophy

VisualizeControlRemodel

Discover our vision

01 / Our vision

Decoding and Engineering Communication in the Brain

The brain is a complex communication network in which neurons, glial cells, and other cell types continuously exchange information.

We combine neuroscience with synthetic biology to design molecular technologies that allow us to observe, control, and reshape these interactions.

Our goal is to understand how molecular and cellular interactions give rise to synaptic connectivity, neural circuit function, and behavior.

02 / Research philosophy

How We Engineer the Brain

  1. 01

    Visualize

    See the invisible.

    We develop genetically encoded tools to visualize molecular, synaptic, and cellular dynamics in the living brain.

    • SynapShot
    • Molecular biosensors
    • Synaptic dynamics
  2. 02

    Control

    Control with precision.

    We develop molecular optogenetic technologies to manipulate specific biological processes with high spatial and temporal precision.

    • Molecular Optogenetics

      Activation
      OptoSTIM1 · monSTIM1
      Inhibition
      LARIAT
  3. 03

    Remodel

    Reshape connectivity.

    We develop synthetic systems to selectively remodel synaptic connections and investigate how circuit structure shapes brain function.

    • SynTrogo
    • Connectome editing
    • Synaptic remodeling