Jaeyeon Kim, DVM, PhD
Associate Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Phone
- (317) 278-9740
- Address
-
980 W. Walnut Street
Walther Hall, Room R3 C252
Indianapolis, IN 46202 - PubMed:
-
Bio
Dr. Kim received a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a study elucidating the molecular mechanism of ovulation regulated by the hormone progesterone and its progesterone receptor. After studying the normal physiology of the ovary for his PhD, his focus shifted to the most devastating pathology of ovary—ovarian cancer. During his postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine, he developed and characterized genetically engineered mouse models of ovarian cancer, which faithfully reproduce the clinical metastases of human ovarian cancer. Since 2015, Dr. Kim has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and also an investigator at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center. Harnessing these mouse models, combined with molecular and genetic approaches, his lab focuses on uncovering the molecular etiology and mechanism of ovarian cancer: how it initiates, progresses, and metastasizes, escalating to an incurable malignancy. Among the prime interests is to define the molecular basis underlying the interactions between genes and hormone in the development, progression, and metastasis of ovarian cancer. His research also aims to understand the role of epigenetic changes in the progression of ovarian cancer. Besides, applying insights from these mouse models, his lab also investigates the molecular mechanism of triple-negative breast cancer. A lucid understanding of the molecular underpinning of ovarian and breast cancer will be crucial to medical advances in the early detection, effective treatment of advanced cancer, and prevention of these malignances.
Key Publications
For a complete list of publications, visit PubMed| Year | Degree | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | PhD | University of Illinois |
| 2004 | MS | University of Illinois |
| 1996 | MS | Chonnam National University |
| 1993 | BS | Chonnam National University |
| 1993 | DVM | Chonnam National University |
Ovarian cancer remains a deadly disease because of mostly advanced-stage diagnosis, echoing the label "silent killer." Our inability for the early detection is a direct result of lacking the basic knowledge underlying the early mechanisms of this cancer, especially for high-grade serous ovarian cancer -- also known as high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) -- the most common and deadliest ovarian cancer. We have developed mouse models for human HGSC. Originating in the fallopian tube or the ovary, these animal models remarkably duplicate the clinical spectrum of metastatic human HGSC.
Harnessing these mouse models, our laboratory focuses on learning the pivotal mechanisms of HGSC: the cell of origin, initiation, and early progression of the cancer. The initial focus of the research is understanding: (1) the cell of origin of HGSC, using lineage tracing in mice, (2) the role of ovary in the development of HGSC, with mouse models and cell lines, (3) the role of DICER or microRNAs in HGSC, and (4) the early genetic and molecular changes driving HGSC, using genomic and genetic approaches. Not only will this basic biology be important for detecting this devastating cancer early, but it will also be critical for finding more effective treatment for advanced cancer as well as designing proper prevention strategies.