Korea University · Medicine
Professor Woo Joo Kim's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying infectious and inflammatory diseases, with a particular emphasis on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in disease pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance in enterococci, and host-pathogen interactions in viral infections such as influenza. The lab integrates molecular microbiology, phylogenetic analysis, and clinical epidemiology to explore genetic determinants of disease progression and resistance. Current research also includes the functional characterization of plant defense proteins, such as non-specific lipid transfer proteins, highlighting a translational approach from plant biology to human health.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in extracellular matrix remodeling through the degradation of extracellular matrix components and are also involved in the inflammatory response by regulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Dysregulation in the inflammatory response and changes in the extracellular matrix by MMPs are related to the development of various diseases including lung and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, numerous studies have been conducted to understand
Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on 9 kDa non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP) genes from nine plant species. Each of the five classified types in angiosperms exhibited eight conserved cysteine patterns. The most abundant nsLTP genes fell into the type I category, which was particularly enriched in a grass-specific lineage of clade I.1. Six pairs of tandem copies of nsLTP genes on the distal region of rice chromosomes 11 and 12 were well-preserved under concerted evolution, which was n
The contributions of clonal spread, transfer of genetic elements, and introduction of new strains to the establishment of endemicity of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were determined. The study took place at one hospital between 1990, when VRE were first detected, and 1996, when endemicity had become established. Isolates from 183 patients were categorized into 24 strain types by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; the resistance genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Betwee
The proportion of males to females and elderly population were significantly higher for influenza A (H3N2) patients group compared with influenza B group. Hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and neuromuscular diseases were independently associated with hospitalization due to influenza. Physicians should assess and treat the underlying comorbid conditions as well as influenza viral infections for the appropriate management of patients with influenza.
Nam, Ki Y. MD; Kim, Woo J. MD; Jo, Young J. MD; Kim, Jung Y. MDEditor(s): Williams, George A. Author Information
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