Pil Jae Maeng
Papers
1
Total Citations
8
H-Index
1
About
Pil Jae Maeng is a molecular biologist whose research centers on chemical genetics, drug target identification, and the cellular mechanisms of natural product derivatives. His most cited work, “Genome-wide drug-induced haploinsufficient screening of fission yeast for identification of hydrazinocurcumin targets” (2008, 8 citations), exemplifies his innovative approach to elucidating the molecular targets of bioactive compounds. In this study, Maeng employed a genome-wide haploinsufficiency profiling platform in fission yeast to uncover the cellular pathways affected by hydrazinocurcumin (HC), a synthetic curcumin derivative with anti-angiogenic properties. By systematically identifying genes whose reduced dosage conferred drug sensitivity, he pinpointed potential targets and mechanisms underlying HC’s activity—a critical step for developing improved pharmacological agents. This work highlights Maeng’s skill in leveraging model organisms for high-throughput functional genomics, bridging the gap between natural product chemistry and therapeutic development. Though his citation count is modest, his contribution is notable for pioneering a screening strategy that can be applied to other poorly characterized compounds. Maeng’s research continues to inform efforts in drug discovery, particularly for compounds with complex, multi-target mechanisms.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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