Grant: Operating Grant

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, and tell cells when to die. This process is known as apoptosis. When tumor suppressor genes do not work properly, cells can grow out of control and can lead to cancer (known as tumorigenesis). Dr. Kim's laboratory focuses on the discovery of novel tumor suppressors, as he believes that understanding the function of these proteins will lend great insight into the regulatory mechanisms that govern how normal cells become cancerous. Because tumor suppressors have been extensively studied and characterized, Dr. Kim's research team will have access to cutting-edge molecular and cellular tools to efficiently and effectively identify genes that normally function to prevent the development of tumors. Previously, he identified a novel tumor suppressor gene which appears to be critical for apoptosis of cancer cells. Dr. Kim's research team is trying to answer three important questions in the process of normal cells becoming cancerous: 1) how cells escape apoptosis induced by various stresses including genotoxic stress and oxidative stress, 2) how the cells lead to be cancerous and 3) how the cells eventually develop tumor in a body. They will investigate how altering the newly identified tumor suppressor gene will affect how the cells respond to the stresses to escape apoptosis and how the cells develop tumor. Understanding the functions of novel tumor suppressors provides important insights regarding the mechanisms that control the process how cells become cancerous. Identifying novel tumor suppressors will be important for detection and treatment of cancers.