معرفی
Choon Kim is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame, part of the College of Science. He is based in McCourtney Hall and conducts research focused on bacterial biochemistry and antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame (2006)
- M.S. in Biology, Chonnam National University, Korea (1999)
- B.S. in Genetic Engineering, Chonnam National University, Korea (1996)
Dr. Kim's research centers on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), particularly the regulatory and functional roles of the β-lactamase BlaZ. He discovered that phosphorylation of BlaZ controls its subcellular localization—phosphorylated BlaZ is membrane-anchored, while non-phosphorylated BlaZ is secreted—linking this modification to bacterial virulence and immune evasion. His work aims to identify the kinase(s) responsible for BlaZ phosphorylation as novel therapeutic targets to disarm MRSA. His research spans enzyme regulation, bacterial signaling, cell wall biology, and virulence factors.
His recent publications reveal a strong focus on bacterial cell wall metabolism, spore germination in Clostridioides difficile, and resistance mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These works, published in high-impact journals like Nature Chemical Biology and JACS, reflect a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemistry, structural biology, and medicinal chemistry to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Scientific Awards:
- No awards listed in the provided text.
Dr. Kim collaborates extensively with leading researchers such as Shahriar Mobashery and is involved in federally funded or institutionally supported research projects aimed at understanding and inhibiting bacterial resistance mechanisms. While no formal advisees are listed, he welcomes prospective graduate students to join his research. His lab contributes to a broader team effort in antimicrobial discovery and bacterial physiology at Notre Dame.
Research Groups and Collaborations:
- Active member of the biochemical and antimicrobial research group at the University of Notre Dame
- Key collaborator with the Mobashery Lab, focusing on bacterial resistance and cell wall enzymes
- Engaged in interdisciplinary studies involving chemical biology, proteomics, and structural analysis
