Hong‐Ki Jun
Papers
1
Total Citations
22
H-Index
1
About
Hong‐Ki Jun is a structural biologist whose work illuminates the molecular machinery of microbial enzymes, with a particular focus on β‑glucosidases and the untapped potential of soil metagenomes. His landmark study, “Crystal structure of engineered β‑glucosidase from a soil metagenome” (2008, 22 citations), provided the first high‑resolution glimpse into how directed evolution can reshape a promiscuous environmental enzyme into a more efficient catalyst. By solving the three‑dimensional structure of this engineered variant, Jun revealed the precise atomic rearrangements—subtle shifts in active‑site loops and substrate‑binding pockets—that boost hydrolytic activity. This work not only deepened our understanding of structure‑function relationships in glycoside hydrolases but also demonstrated a powerful pipeline for mining soil DNA libraries and optimizing the resulting enzymes through rational design. Jun’s contributions have practical implications for biomass conversion and biofuel production, where robust β‑glucosidases are critical for breaking down cellulosic feedstocks. His research exemplifies how merging metagenomic discovery with protein engineering can transform obscure soil microbes into valuable biocatalytic tools.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Crystal structure of engineered β‐glucosidase from a soil metagenome22 citations · 2008