Molecular optogenetics & chemogenetics
Engineering tools that control proteins, calcium dynamics, and receptor signaling at selected places and times.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
HEOLAB · KAIST
Won Do Heo, Ph.D.
Endowed Chair Professor · KAIST Biological Sciences
Fellow, The Korean Academy of Science and Technology
Won Do Heo developed Korea’s first molecular optogenetic technologies and has helped pioneer the field alongside leading scientists worldwide. He develops molecular tools to visualize and control biological processes in space and time, connecting molecular optogenetics and chemogenetics with RNA engineering to investigate protein function, cellular signaling, and calcium ion regulation, and extending this work to brain function in living animals.
wondo@kaist.ac.kr ↗135Publications
13,742Citations
57h-index
26Research tools
Research metrics reported in the CV updated October 13, 2026. Citation metrics: Google Scholar, October 2026.
Research that connects tools and discovery
His laboratory has developed platforms including LARIAT, OptoSTIM1, CRY2clust, Optobody, mRNA-LARIAT, SynapShot, paCas13, RELISR, and programmable RNA acetylation. Building on these tools, the group explores precise RNA interventions and optogenetic therapeutic strategies in disease models.
Spatiotemporal RNA control & therapeutic research
Programming RNA localization, translation, degradation, base editing, and chemical modification while exploring interventions that do not alter DNA.
Visualizing & controlling the living brain
Combining real-time synapse imaging with molecular control to investigate memory and behavior and explore therapeutic strategies in disease models.
Appointments
- 2025–present
- Endowed Chair Professor, Biological Sciences, KAIST
- 2017–present
- Professor, Biological Sciences, KAIST
- 2013–2017
- Group Leader, Center for Cognition and Sociality, IBS
- 2012–2017
- Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, KAIST
- 2008–2012
- Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences, KAIST
- 2000–2008
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Senior Research Scientist and Co-Investigator, Stanford University
- 1999–2000
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Cell Biology, Duke University
Education
- 1996–1999
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Gyeongsang National University
- 1994–1996
- M.S. in Biochemistry, Gyeongsang National University
- 1987–1994
- B.S. in Agricultural Chemistry, Gyeongsang National University
Selected honors
- 2025
- Minister’s Commendation for Advancement of the Bio Sector, MSIT
- 2025
- KAIST Academic Excellence and Global Research Cooperation Awards
- 2024
- 20th Kyung-Ahm Prize
- 2019
- Nature Methods, Author of the Month
- 2017
- Scientist of the Month
Scientific service
Vice President, Korean Society for Brain and Neural Sciences (since 2024). Fellow, Korean Academy of Science and Technology (since 2024). Active in scientific societies, research collaboration, and student mentoring.
KI Building A421, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Korea