Dr. Sue Goo Rhee is a distinguished biochemist whose pioneering work has fundamentally transformed our understanding of cellular signaling mechanisms. Currently serving as Distinguished Professor in the Division of Molecular Life Science at Ewha Womans University in South Korea, he previously held the prestigious position of Chief of the Laboratory of Cell Signaling at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Born in Seoul, Korea, Dr. Rhee earned his B.S. degree in chemistry from Seoul National University in 1965 and completed his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at The Catholic University of America in 1972. His illustrious career began with a postdoctoral fellowship in Earl Stadtman's laboratory at NHLBI, where he established himself as a leading researcher before ascending through the ranks to become Chief of the Laboratory of Cell Signaling.
Dr. Rhee's groundbreaking contributions include the discovery of seven phospholipase C isozymes and the identification of the ubiquitously expressed peroxiredoxin enzymes that catalyze the thiol-mediated reduction of hydrogen peroxide. His seminal research elucidated the mechanism by which peroxiredoxins regulate cell signaling through modulation of intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels, demonstrating that growth factors induce transient H2O2 elevations that oxidize critical cysteine residues in protein tyrosine phosphatases, thereby facilitating enhanced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Professor Rhee revolutionized the field by proving that cysteine oxidation to sulfinic acid is reversible, identifying sulfiredoxin as the enzyme responsible for reducing hyperoxidized peroxiredoxins, and linking cyclic hyperoxidation and reduction of these enzymes to circadian rhythm regulation. These discoveries have been immensely influential, with five of his papers receiving over 1,000 citations and 69 articles cited between 100-1,000 times, establishing him among the most cited biochemists globally.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Rhee has been instrumental in advancing life sciences in Korea and globally through extensive mentorship, having trained numerous students who now lead research programs worldwide. Honored as the first National Scientist of the Republic of Korea in 2006 and designated a Redox Pioneer by the International Society of Free Radical Research in 2021, Dr. Rhee continues to investigate the intricate mechanisms of redox signaling while fostering scientific collaboration between Korean and international research communities. His work has established hydrogen peroxide as a recognized intracellular signaling molecule, transforming redox biology from a niche field into a cornerstone of modern cell signaling research. At Ewha Womans University, he maintains an active research program focused on further elucidating the complex regulatory networks of peroxiredoxins and their implications for cellular function and disease pathology.
