Damon Runyon Researchers

The cellular response to DNA damage is coordinated by an enzyme known as ATM kinase. Mutations in ATM are found in approximately 1% of the population and contribute to an increased risk of both hereditary and sporadic cancers, including breast cancer. Dr. Kim’s research investigates how ATM suppresses the production of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in response to DNA damage. These dsRNAs play a critical role in tumor progression. Dr. Kim aims to identify the key molecular players involved in ATM-mediated suppression of dsRNAs and elucidate how the loss of ATM function triggers inflammatory responses through dsRNA sensing pathways. By uncovering these mechanisms, Dr. Kim aims to deepen our understanding of how ATM mutations drive cancer development and uncover novel therapeutic strategies for ATM-associated cancers. Dr. Kim received his PhD and BS from the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan.