Research Interests   Biological networks that coordinate metabolism and growth

Our lab is interested in understanding the molecular networks that coordinate nutrient metabolism and cell growth. How cells assess nutrient- or energy states and relay this information into appropriate decisions on growth is poorly understood. Coordinate regulation of nutrient metabolism and cell growth is of fundamental importance, and many human diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and developmental disorders, are affected by alterations in this process.

Our research focuses on the mTOR signaling network that plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth in response to nutrient levels and growth factors. In spite of considerable efforts, it has not been possible to obtain a clear understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which the mTOR network is regulated by nutrient- and growth factor-signals. Utilizing novel molecular biology and biochemical tools as well as a variety of structural approaches, we will identify novel components and connectivity in the network and determine biological functions and signaling specificity thereof. We anticipate this study will advance our understanding of the molecular bases underlying the coordination between metabolism and growth during animal development.

Selected Publications

Vander Haar, E., Lee, S.I, Bandhakavi, S., Griffin, T. J., Kim, D.-H. (2007) "Insulin Signalling to mTOR Mediated by Akt/PKB Substrate PRAS40." Nature Cell Biology 9, 316-23. (PDF)

Sarbassov, D. D., Ali, S. M., Kim, D.-H., Guertin, D. A., Latek, R. R., Erdjument-Bromage, H., Tempst, P., and Sabatini, D. M. (2004) Rictor, a novel binding partner of mTOR, defines a rapamycin-insensitive and raptor-independent pathway that regulates the cytoskeleton. Curr. Biol. 14, 1296-1302. (PDF).

Kim, D.-H., Sarbassov, D., Ali, S. M., Latek, R. R., Guntur, K. V. P., Erdjument-Bromage, H., Tempst, P., and Sabatini, D. M. (2003) GbL, a positive regulator of the rapamycin-sensitive pathway required for the nutrient-sensitive interaction between raptor and mTOR. Molecular Cell 11, 895-904. (PDF)

Kim, D.-H., Sarbassov, D., Ali, S. M., King, J. E., Latek, R. R., Erdjument-Bromage, H., Tempst, P., and Sabatini, D. M. (2002). mTOR interacts with raptor to form a nutrient-sensitive complex that signals to the cell growth machinery. Cell 110, 163-175. (PDF)

David, Seong-il, Sri, Emilie, Debby, and Do-Hyung

Postdoctoral positions are available in the lab. We are looking for a Ph.D or Ph.D candidate who has prior experience in molecular, cell biology, and/or structural/biochemistry. Personnel who are interested in the positions, send a CV and names of three references to the following address:

Do-Hyung Kim, Ph.D
Assistant Professor
Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics
University of Minnesota
6-155 Jackson Hall
321 Church Street SE
Minneapolis MN 55455
USA
 
612-626-3418 (tel)
dhkim@umn.edu