Leading vascular research through ground-breaking discoveries and innovative challenges










Center for Vascular Research

Institute for Basic Science at the KAIST Campus

Our Activities

Our vision is to make ground-breaking discoveries, conceptual advances and paradigm shifts in vascular biology through basic and fundamental research


News and Gallery 

New review article titled "Advances and controversies in meningeal biology" is published in Nature Neuroscience

An article "Advances and controversies in meningeal biology" by Christer Betsholtz, Britta Engelhardt, Gou Young Koh, Donald M. McDonald, Steven T. Proulx and Julie Siegenthaler, all authors equally contributed, has been published in Nature Neuroscience, exploring the latest developments and debates in meningeal research. 

This review examines the dura, arachnoid, and pia mater as the key layers of the meninges that protect the brain and spinal cord. It highlights the recent discovery of molecularly distinct fibroblast types in each meningeal layer, and discusses the ongoing debates about the routes and flow dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid clearance through peripheral lymphatics and lymph nodes. The review also considers the advances and controversies in meningeal immune functions, aiming to identify the hallmarks of meningeal pathophysiology to develop a more complete understanding of the meninges in both health and disease.

Sep 24, 2024

A new paper titled "A systems view of the vascular endothelium in health and disease" is published in Cell.  

An article by Gou Young Koh and Hellmut G. Augustin titled "A systems view of the vascular endothelium in health and disease" is published in Cell online.   

Endothelial cell dysfunction is a leading cause of mortality, but these cells, forming a single-cell layer in all organs, should be seen as part of a highly dynamic and interactive organ system that extends throughout the body. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on vascular research, highlighting the diverse roles of endothelial cells in maintaining vascular health, acting as responsive elements, and serving as instructive gatekeepers that regulate organ function. Additionally, it explores emerging translational opportunities in regenerative medicine, preventive healthcare, and aging research, aiming to promote a deeper understanding of the crucial role of the vasculature in supporting systemic health and promoting healthy aging. 

Sep 05, 2024

Nasal ciliated cells are primary targets for SARS-CoV-2 replication in early stage of COVID 19

Lymphatic vessel in lacteal