Intestines harbor trillions of microbes that have evolved in the milieu of a diverse diet-derived small molecules. Gut microbiome (the collection of genetic materials harbored by the gut microbes) contains thousands of distinct genes with an enormous capacity to catalyze chemical reactions. Their functions, however, remains largely unknown. We are currently investigating the gut microbiota as (1) a drug-metabolizing organ and (2) a modulator of host response to drugs. We identify and characterize the microbial factors involved in drug metabolism as well as host-microbe interaction that leads to altered drug efficacy and toxicity.

Medication use in pregnancy is prevalent due to pre-existing medical conditions or newly developing disorders. This unavoidable drug treatment requires accurate pharmacokinetic information because under- or over-exposure may result in detrimental clinical outcomes not only to the mother, but also to the fetus. Jeong lab is interested in identifying factors responsible for altered drug metabolism and elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Preclinical characterization of pharmacokinetics of a drug candidate is essential in drug development processes. Jeong lab provides our expertise in preclinical pharmacokinetics for development of antiviral and antibiotic agents.