Martin H Kang

Martin H Kang, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina's College of Medicine. His research laboratory focuses on developing novel gene therapies for inherited pediatric respiratory diseases, with particular emphasis on surfactant deficiencies. The lab employs preclinical animal models to explore adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene delivery strategies, immune response modulation, and neonatal lung-targeted therapies.

Education & Training:

• B.M.L.Sc. - University of British Columbia (1998)
• M.Sc. in Pathology - Queen’s University (2003)
• Ph.D. in Medical Genetics - University of British Columbia (2013)
• Postdoctoral Associate - Duke University (2016)
• Postdoctoral Fellow - Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (2021)

Research Focus: Dr. Kang's work bridges molecular genetics and translational medicine, targeting unmet needs in pediatric pulmonology. Primary interests include: 1) Overcoming immune barriers to AAV redosing for sustained gene therapy, 2) Developing promoterless gene editing platforms for surfactant protein deficiencies, 3) Engineering lung-tropic AAV vectors, and 4) Exploring stem cell applications for neonatal lung repair. The lab maintains active collaborations with institutions worldwide to advance respiratory gene therapeutics.

Publication Trends: His recent work (2020-2025) demonstrates a focused trajectory in AAV vector optimization for pulmonary applications, with innovations in immune evasion strategies and gene editing platforms. Earlier research (2005-2018) established foundational expertise in cholesterol metabolism regulation, cardiac reprogramming, and stem cell biology, with consistent emphasis on translational pathway discovery.

Mentorship & Collaboration: Dr. Kang prioritizes training students and postdoctoral fellows in gene therapy techniques and maintains collaborative networks across North America and Europe. His team works within the Darby Children’s Research Institute at MUSC, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for molecular biology and animal studies.