THE KIM LAB

THE KIM LAB
Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory

We are part of Department of Life Science at Chung-Ang University.
Our main aim is to understand the regulation and mechanisms of genetic recombination and chromosome dynamics
through diverse molecular biology tools and cytological analysis.
We are particularly interested in the process of meiosis that is characterized by a complex program of interactions
between homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes (“homologs”).
A prominent aspect of this program is DNA recombination.
In the general cellular program, recombination is essential for repair of spontaneous double-strand breaks (DSBs)
and thus for genome stability. DSBs, if present, undergo preferential recombination with an available sister chromatid (“sister bias”),
although inter-homolog recombination can also occur.
In contrast, during meiosis, programmed DSBs preferentially interact with a homolog partner chromatid
rather than with their sister chromatids (“homolog bias”).
Homolog bias is essential because meiotic recombination is required not only to increase genetic diversity
but also, in mechanical roles, to directly mediate pairing and regular segregation of homologs.

Interested in working in THE KIM LAB?

PhD student or postdoctoral fellow positions are available to investigate
regulation and mechanisms of genetic recombination and chromosome dynamics.
Contact kpkim@cau.ac.kr