Byung-Eun Kim

Dr. Byung-Eun Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal & Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on understanding copper homeostasis mechanisms across cellular, organismal, and behavioral levels, with particular emphasis on cardiomyopathy risk factors and C. elegans models of copper deficiency. His lab investigates systemic copper signaling pathways, inter-organ communication, and molecular mechanisms of copper distribution in worms and mammals.

Key research areas include:

• Copper transporters (CTR1, ATP7A/B)
• Copper-related genetic disorders (Menkes/Wilson diseases)
• Therapeutic applications of elesclomol
• Mitochondrial dysfunction and immunosuppression

Recent work highlights innovative C. elegans models and mitochondrial studies, with publications spanning from 2002 to 2024. His research bridges basic science and translational medicine, addressing critical gaps in copper metabolism understanding.

Lab website: kimlabumd.com