Minji Byun, PhD

About Me

Dr. Minji Byun earned a B.S. from Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea, and holds a Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. After completing postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University, she became a faculty member at Washington University in St. Louis. In 2017, she was recruited to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to join the Precision Immunology Institute. Her broad research interest is on the role of genetic variants in initiating and modulating immune-mediated diseases.

Language

English

Position

ADJUNCT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR | Medicine, Clinical Immunology

Research Topics

Aging, Blood, Epigenetics, Epigenomics, Human Genetics and Genetic Disorders, Immunology, Induced pluripotent stem cells, Inflammation

Multi-Disciplinary Training Areas

Development Regeneration and Stem Cells [DRS], Genetics and Genomic Sciences [GGS]

Education

BS, POSTECH

PhD, Washington University in St. Louis

Postdoc, The Rockefeller University

Awards

2019

PhD Scientist Innovative Research Award

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

2012

Young Investigator Award

Asian Society for Pediatric Research

2012

Senior Fellowship in Biomedical Science

Charles H. Revson Foundation

2010

Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship

Cancer Research Institute

Research

Multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder, characterized by episodes of systematic inflammatory symptoms that can lead to death in severe cases. The etiology of HHV-8 negative MCD is unknown. We hypothesize that genetic mutations (inherited or acquired) contribute to the initiation and progression of MCD. By performing and analyzing whole-genome sequencing data of a cohort of MCD patients, we have identified a mutation in the FAS gene in a familial case (Baker et al). We are currently characterizing additional candidate gene mutations affecting various immune pathways. We are closely collaborating with the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network on this project.

Industry Relationships

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Dr. Byun has not yet completed reporting of Industry relationships.

Mount Sinai’s faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.