1. Can you please briefly summarize the paper?

Our study investigates how exposure to atmospherically relevant artificial particulate matter (PM₂.₅) contributes to lung cancer development, with a particular focus on the physiological role of the cellular prion protein (PrP^C).
Using Prnp knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mouse models, we demonstrated that the absence of PrP^C significantly increases susceptibility to PM₂.₅-induced lung tumorigenesis. Notably, even short-term exposure to PM₂.₅ was sufficient to initiate long-term carcinogenic processes in genetically susceptible models. This was accompanied by enhanced oxidative stress, increased DNA damage, and activation of oncogenic pathways.
Importantly, we also observed that PrP^C expression levels were lower in aged compared to younger C57BL/6 mice, suggesting a potential link between aging and increased vulnerability to environmental stress. This finding implies that age-related decline in PrP^C may compromise the ability to maintain cellular homeostasis under stress conditions, thereby contributing to higher cancer susceptibility. Together, our results highlight a protective role of PrP^C in limiting environmentally induced carcinogenesis and provide insight into how aging and environmental exposure may interact to influence lung cancer development.

2. Can you please tell us the main difficulties you had in the laboratory work and how you overcame them?

One of the main challenges in this study was establishing a reliable and reproducible in vivo model that integrates both environmental exposure and cancer development. PM₂.₅-induced lung tumorigenesis is a complex and time-dependent process.we aimed to use short-term PM₂.₅ exposure while capturing long-term carcinogenic processes in genetically susceptible mice. This required careful experimental design to identify biologically meaningful time points for each animal.
Another significant difficulty was the variability in disease progression among mice. Tumor development did not occur uniformly, and therefore, continuous monitoring was essential. We performed daily clinical observations and periodic assessments, including monthly DEXA imaging, to track systemic changes over time.
A critical technical challenge arose during imaging procedures such as DEXA and micro-CT. Mice that developed lung tumors often exhibited altered respiratory patterns, making them highly sensitive to anesthesia. As a result, these animals were at increased risk of mortality during imaging procedures. To address this, we carefully optimized anesthesia conditions, minimized procedure duration, and performed imaging with heightened caution to ensure animal survival while still obtaining reliable data.
Overall, overcoming these challenges required a combination of careful longitudinal study design, close monitoring of individual animals, and technical optimization of imaging procedures under compromised physiological conditions.

3. Please introduce your laboratory, university or organization to bio-researchers in Korea.

I am currently working in the Bioactive Materials Laboratory at Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea. Our laboratory focuses on stem cell biology and investigates how environmental and material-related stressors influence cellular function and disease development.
In particular, the lab has extensive experience in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including their isolation, characterization, and functional analysis under various physiological and stress conditions. We employ a wide range of experimental approaches, including in vivo animal models, flow cytometry, molecular biology techniques, and advanced imaging such as micro-CT.
This integrated platform allows us to study complex biological responses from stem cell regulation to disease progression, including cancer development under environmental exposure. The research environment is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, supporting both mechanistic studies and translational research.

4. Please tell us your experiences and your thoughts related to research activities abroad.

Conducting research in Korea as an international researcher has been a highly valuable experience. It has allowed me to work in a well-equipped and competitive research environment, which has significantly enhanced my technical and analytical skills.
Adapting to a new research culture required flexibility and persistence, especially in terms of communication and experimental problem-solving. My background as a medical doctor has also influenced my perspective, leading me to focus on the clinical relevance of experimental findings and their potential translational applications.
This experience has helped shape my identity as a researcher who integrates clinical insight with experimental research.

5. Can you provide some advice for younger scientists who have plans to study abroad?

I would encourage young scientists to approach studying abroad with both clear goals and an open mindset. While technical skills are important, the ability to adapt, communicate, and persist through challenges is equally critical.
It is also important to actively engage with mentors and colleagues, as collaboration plays a key role in successful research. Difficulties are inevitable, but they often provide the most valuable learning experiences.

6. Future plan?

My future goal is to continue working at the interface of environmental exposure and cell biology, with a focus on understanding how external stressors contribute to disease initiation and progression.
I aim to pursue research that bridges experimental findings with clinical relevance, ultimately contributing to strategies for disease prevention and improved therapeutic outcomes.

7. Do you have anything else that you would like to tell Korean scientists and students?

I would like to express my appreciation for the collaborative and supportive research environment in Korea. It has been an important part of my academic journey.