Kim Lab

Identifying Pathways and Mechanisms Involved in Muscle Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Differentiation

Scientific focus

Distinct organs often contain a resident population of organ-specific stem cells that enable tissue-specific regeneration throughout most of adult life. Recent findings suggest that cell fate decisions made by cells in their past are not irrevocable but might be reverted and reprogrammed. This dynamic concept of a cell’s fate corresponds with the established view that maintenance of a cellular phenotype does not reflect a static state but rather requires continuous regulation. This phenomenon enables to redirect and manipulate cells and enhance regenerative properties of tissues and organs provided that the molecular mechanisms in regulating cellular phenotype are known.

A focus of our research is to elucidate the processes that lead to proliferation and the coordinated differentiation of muscle specific stem cells during development and regeneration.  To this end we employ a broad spectrum of tools to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in determining cell fate decisions - ranging from biochemical and molecular biological methods, such as quantitative mass spectrometry and high-content rnai-screening, to in vitro models and the development and analysis of genetically engineered mice.

Contact:

Dr. Johnny Kim
Dept. I - Heart Development and Remodeling
Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
Ludwigstr. 43
D-61231 Bad Nauheim
Tel.: +49 (0)6032 705-1109 (office)