Dr. Kyoungsook Park & Dr. Sangyong Song

This was an internship designed to give practical training in cancer research and teach the use of molecular biology techniques. Working at Samsung Medical Center — a global leader institution in cancer treatment and research, so that I could better understand how molecular biology is utilized to diagnose and treat diseases in actual clinical practice.

Tour of the facility

I began by exploring the infrastructure of Samsung Medical Center, including the Biobank, cancer center, and pathology department. These experiences helped me understand the collaborative environment and advanced resources that support medical research.

Lab Instruments

• Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS): I learned to analyze patient blood samples, understand cell sorting, and diagnose cancer using this technique.

• Confocal Microscopy: I gained experience in staining and imaging blood samples, which deepened my understanding of cellular structures and diagnostic imaging. I also had the opportunity to image a mouse kidney sample.

• iBright Machine: I worked with this machine to analyze protein and nucleic acid gels, broadening my knowledge of patient sample imaging and its significance in medical research.

Organoids & Biochips

• I gained insight into the cultivation and use of organoids, learning how they mimic organ-like structures and their potential for drug testing.

• Explored biochips, a cutting-edge alternative to animal testing, and their role in providing real-time data for drug discovery and diagnostics. I learned about different types of biochips (DNA microarrays, protein microarrays, microfluidic chips) and observed how they replicate in vivo environments.

Gene Editing (SMN1 for Spinal Muscle Atrophy)

• I participated in gene-editing experiments that targeted the SMN1 gene in mice, gaining insights into the methodology and challenges involved.

• Discussed the efficacy of using virus endosomes for gene delivery and learned about alternatives like biochips to overcome the limitations of animal testing.

Application of Molecular Biology

It consolidated molecular biology techniques like FACS and confocal microscopy, especially in cancer research.

Gene Editing Challenges

When I had the fortunate opportunity to learn first-hand about gene editing for spinal muscle atrophy, it further opened my eyes to the issues and potential solutions in developing new care options from a better understanding of animal models through advanced technologies like biochips.

Ethical Alternatives

Biochips and their use as non-animal tests — a humane, developing footprint of drug discovery work. It has helped me broaden my perspective on how medical research could become more ethical.

Research Infrastructure and Collaborations

Seeing the various wings of Samsung Medical Center, from its Biobank to high-tech laboratories, gave us a new-found understanding of what it takes in collaboration alone to complete advanced medical research.