Jaehoon Yu
Ph.D.
CAMP Therapeutics
Talk Information
Bioactive Peptides
16 June 2025, 10:55am - 11:10am, in the Pacific Jewel Ballroom
L08 – Mitochondrial Targeting α-Helical Amphipathic Peptides As Drug Candidates for Sarcopenia
Dr. Jaehoon Yu serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CAMP Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in Seoul, South Korea. His work focuses on the design and development of α-helical amphipathic peptides targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, with applications in treating conditions such as sarcopenia and acute kidney injury.
Academic Background
Dr. Yu earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Tokyo. He has held academic positions at Seoul National University, where he contributed to research in peptide chemistry and molecular design. His academic and professional experiences have laid the foundation for his leadership at CAMP Therapeutics.
Research Focus
At CAMP Therapeutics, Dr. Yu leads research on the development of cell-penetrating α-helical amphipathic peptides that target mitochondrial membranes. His team has designed peptides, such as CMP3013, which bind selectively to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, preserving cristae structure and enhancing ATP production. These peptides have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.
Notable Contributions
Dr. Yu's work has led to the development of peptide-based therapeutics that modulate mitochondrial function. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, highlighting the potential of these peptides in treating diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, he has contributed to the understanding of peptide-membrane interactions and their therapeutic applications
Professional Engagements
Dr. Yu is scheduled to present at the 2025 American Peptide Symposium, where he will discuss "Mitochondrial Targeting α-Helical Amphipathic Peptides As Drug Candidates for Sarcopenia." His participation underscores his active engagement in the scientific community and commitment to advancing peptide-based therapeutics.
Through his leadership at CAMP Therapeutics and contributions to peptide science, Dr. Jaehoon Yu continues to advance the development of innovative treatments for mitochondrial-related diseases.
Mitochondrial Targeting α-Helical Amphipathic Peptides As Drug Candidates for Sarcopenia
1 Department of Chemistry & Education, Seoul National University; 2 CAMP Therapeutics, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, Korea
Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to degenerative diseases, resulting from cardiolipin (CL)-induced disruption of cristae structure in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM); therefore, preventing CL remodeling offer effective strategies to maintain mitochondrial function.
Figure a: Mitochondrial morphology of old and 3029-treated mice samples; b, Latancy of rotaroad test of old and 3029-treated mice; c, Treadmill running test of old and 3029-treated mice.
To identify reactive oxygen species (ROS)-blocking agents against mitochondrial dysfunction, a library of cyclohexylamine-containing cell-penetrating α-helical amphipathic “bundle” peptides were screened. Among these, CMP3029 is selectively bound to abnormal mitochondria, preserving the cristae structure impaired by mitochondria-damaging agents. With a stronger affinity for CL compared with other lipid components, CMP3029 exhibited high selectivity. Consequently, it protected cristae, reduced ROS production, and enhanced ATP generation.
Using old mouse models of sarcopenia, the exercise-peptide dual-modality treatment group showed dramatic improvement of exercise capacity, overwhelming that of young mice control, especially in time exhaustion test using treadmill. The results highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent for sarcopenia. Overall, CMP3029 represents a promising agent for mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction and associated diseases.
[1] Shin et al., J. Med. Chem. 2024, 67, 3385–3399.