Research Highlights

The ‘Signal Cell’ relaying microbiota signals discovered.

2019-10-22 141

[Prof. Seung-Woo Lee and his research team from POSTECH revealed the microbiota signal mechanism]



Professor Seung-Woo Lee, Research Professor Yunji Park, Master/PhD integrated program students, Seungwon Lee and Hyekang Kim of Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology from POSTECH described the mechanism how microbiota signals are sent to different organs. Also, they utilized imaging research to prove that CX3CR+ mononuclear cells contact hemapoietic progenitors*1 for the first time in history. Their research is introduced as a featured content in the journal of the American Society of Hematology, Blood.


191022_BLOOD 표지


They explained that when CX3CR1+ mononuclear cells recognize microbiota signals, they release signal substances called cytokines which control and stimulate body’s defense system through the signal transduction. They also explained that cytokines control the number of hematopoietic progenitors or stimulate differentiation into myeloid lineages to make blood cells.

Furthermore, they verified that CX3CR1+ mononuclear cells contact hematopoietic progenitors at the perivascular region*2 and they play as a signal receiving microbiota signals.




1. Hematopoietic progenitor
A primitive cell which later develops into one of blood cells (red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet) in the bone marrow.

2. Perivascular region
A particular region in blood, microenvironment in blood.