Department of Microbiology · Pukyong National University
We study the virulence mechanisms of pathogenic fungi and develop innovative biotechnologies for sustainable agriculture.
01Integrative multi-omics
02Genome editing
03Nanotechnology
04Evolution · AI
Welcome to the Min Lab
Fungi are crucial decomposers across the planet, yet some pathogenic fungi cause fatal infections in humans and devastating losses in crops. The emergence of antifungal resistance makes treatment and control increasingly difficult.
Through an interdisciplinary approach spanning multi-omics, genome editing, nanotechnology, and evolutionary analysis, the Min Lab investigates the molecular basis of fungal virulence and develops biotechnology that reduces agrochemical use, protects ecosystems, and supports sustainable growth.
Research
We connect fundamental discoveries in fungal virulence and evolution to technologies that protect people, plants, and ecosystems.
We employ integrative multi-omics approaches to investigate novel mechanisms that promote virulence and drug resistance in pathogenic fungi. Our work reveals how the regulation of protein translation controls gene expression involved in virulence and resistance.
Plants release signaling molecules to manage drought, wounds, and disease. We develop nanosensors that detect these stress-related molecules in real time, creating opportunities to mitigate stress and prevent disease while using resources more efficiently.
By integrating phylogenomic data, morphological images, and ecological information, we develop AI-based models to understand how toxicity, coloration, morphology, and other traits emerged and diversified across fungal lineages.
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor · Department of Microbiology · Pukyong National University
Appointments & education
Inside the Lab
Lab Members
장성원
Expected B.S. · Department of Microbiology, Pukyong National University · 2026
Incoming M.S. student · Department of Microbiology, Pukyong National University · 2026
김주빈
Expected B.S. · Department of Microbiology, Pukyong National University · 2026
Incoming M.S. student · Department of Microbiology, Pukyong National University · 2026
Publications
* Co-first authors · † Co-corresponding authors
S Bang, D Choi, S Park, S-E Lee, K Min†, S Hong†. In Vivo real-time monitoring of drought stress responses in plants using microneedle field-effect transistor biosensor. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical. 451: 139412.
K Min, A Park. Shape-shifting mechanisms: Integrative multi-omics insights into Candida albicans morphogenesis. Mycobiology. 53(2): 250–257.
KA Swenson, K Min, JB Konopka. Candida albicans pathways that protect against organic peroxides and lipid peroxidation. PLoS Genetics. 20(10): e1011455.
J Park, H Jeon, A Hwangbo, K Min, J Ko, J-E Kim, S Kim, JY Shin, Y-H Lee, Y-W Lee, H Son. A winged-helix DNA-binding protein is essential for self-fertility during sexual development of the homothallic fungus Fusarium graminearum. mSphere. 25(9): e0051124.
H Moon*, K Min*, J Winarto, S Shin, H Jeon, DG Song†, H Son†. Proteomic analysis of cell wall proteins with various linkages in Fusarium graminearum. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 72(11): 6028–6039.
H Jeon*, JW Yang*, D Shin, D Min, BJ Kim, K Min†, H Son†. Development of a selective medium for surveillance of Fusarium head blight disease. The Plant Pathology Journal. DOI: 10.5423/PPJ.OA.12.2023.0173.
News & Events
We welcome students interested in pathogenic fungi and innovative biotechnology.
Watch our lab introductionContact
For research collaborations, student opportunities, and inquiries about the Min Lab, please get in touch by email.
k.min@pknu.ac.kr