Research in the Hong group focuses on using chemical tools, in particular small molecules, to understand the signaling pathways in biology. We synthesize biologically interesting natural products and screen small molecule libraries to identify modulators of biological processes. Then, we explore their modes of action in order to investigate intracellular signaling pathways and identify novel targets for drug design. In addition, we design and develop unique and efficient synthetic strategies that will allow rapid access to molecular complexity and structural diversity. Through multidisciplinary approaches, including organic synthesis, molecular biology, and cell biology, the cellular components and molecular events that embody cancer, immune response, and GPCR signaling have systematically been explored. Compounds employed in these studies could also advance the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases.