Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology · Medicine
Professor Hail Kim's research lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The lab investigates the role of serotonin signaling—both central and peripheral—in regulating glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell function. Key research directions include the regulation of β-cell mass and identity through serotonin synthesis and signaling pathways, as well as the impact of gut-liver axis signaling in metabolic disease. The lab integrates preclinical models, molecular genetics, and translational approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Type 2 diabetes develops in the context of both insulin resistance and beta-cell failure. Thiazolidinediones are a class of antidiabetic agents that are known to improve insulin sensitivity in various animal models of diabetes. The improved insulin sensitivity may be achieved either by systemic insulin sensitization or by direct action of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma on the transcription of genes involved in glucose disposal. Evidence supporting the direct action of PP
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in worldwide prevalence, closely tracking the obesity epidemic, but specific pharmaceutical treatments for NAFLD are lacking. Defining the key molecular pathways underlying the pathogenesis of NAFLD is essential for developing new drugs. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of gut-derived serotonin synthesis ameliorates hepatic steatosis through a reduction in liver serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) signaling. Local serotonin concentrations in th
Pregnancy imposes a substantial metabolic burden on women through weight gain and insulin resistance. Lactation reduces the risk of maternal postpartum diabetes, but the mechanisms underlying this benefit are unknown. Here, we identified long-term beneficial effects of lactation on β cell function, which last for years after the cessation of lactation. We analyzed metabolic phenotypes including β cell characteristics in lactating and non-lactating humans and mice. Lactating and non-lactating wom
A sufficient β-cell mass is crucial for preventing diabetes, and perinatal β-cell proliferation is important in determining the adult β-cell mass. However, it is not yet known how perinatal β-cell proliferation is regulated. Here, we report that serotonin regulates β-cell proliferation through serotonin receptor 2B (HTR2B) in an autocrine/paracrine manner during the perinatal period. In β-cell-specific <i>Tph1</i> knockout (<i>Tph1</i> βKO) mice, perinatal β-cell proliferation was reduced along
Serotonin is a well-known neurotransmitter that is synthesized from the amino acid, tryptophan. To date, more than 14 different serotonin receptors have been discovered; they exist universally in our body and enable diverse biological functions in different organs. Central serotonin regulates mood and behavior, and impacts the systemic energy balance by decreasing appetite. A number of drugs that modulate central serotonin function (e.g., fenfluramine, sibutramine and lorcaserin) were approved a
Loss of functional β-cell mass is an essential feature of type 2 diabetes, and maintaining mature β-cell identity is important for preserving a functional β-cell mass. However, it is unclear how β-cells achieve and maintain their mature identity. Here we demonstrate a novel function of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) in maintaining mature β-cell identity. <i>Prmt1</i> knockout in fetal and adult β-cells induced diabetes, which was aggravated by high-fat diet-induced metabolic stress
Serotonin is a biogenic amine synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan. Because serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, it functions differently in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. In the CNS, serotonin regulates mood, behavior, appetite, and energy expenditure. Although most serotonin in the body is synthesized at the periphery, its biological roles have not been well elucidated. Older studies using chemical agonists and antagonists yielded conflicting results, because the
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