Jinmi Kim
  • Ph. D.
  • Jinmi Kim
  • Microbial Genetics
  • N11-505
  • Laboratory of Microbial Genetics (N11-505)
  • +82-42-821-6416, 7552
  • jmkim@cnu.ac.kr

Academic Career

  • B.S., 1981, Seoul National University
  • Ph.D., 1988, Massachussetts Institute of Technology, USA

Career

  • Post-Doc., 1988-1989, KIST, Genetic Engineering Center

Research Interests

  • Translational regulation mediated by mRNA decapping activators and translation initiation factors

    Control of mRNA translation, stability, and subcellular location is a key aspect of gene expression regulation in eukaryotic cells. We are interested in unveiling the regulatory roles of mRNA decapping activators (Dhh1, Edc3, Scd6, Pat1, Lsm1), or translation initiation factors (Caf20, Eap1). Specific mRNAs, including Ste12 transcription factor or Cln1 cell-cycle regulator, which are preferentially regulated at the translation level during yeast mating or filamentous growth pathway, are targets of our investigation.

  • Gene expression regulation mediated by mRNA localization factors Loc1 and Puf6

    Yeast Loc1 and Puf6 are well-known factors for the asymmetric translation of ASH1 mRNA at the bud tip of daughter cells. We observed that Loc1 and Puf6 also regulate the translation of Ste12 transcription factor. Our current interests are to investigate the localization of Ste12 protein and mRNAs during mating processes. Functional association of Loc1 and Puf6 proteins with Dhh1 decapping activator is under investigation.

  • mRNA granules, P-bodies, and apoptotic cell death in pathogenic yeast Candida albicans

    Under various stress conditions, mRNAs assemble into non-translating mRNPs, which can concentrate in cytoplasmic mRNA granules known as processing bodies (P-bodies) or stress granules. mRNAs in these granules can either be degraded or stored for later translation. The virulence conditions responsible for C. albicans pathogenicity are very much relevant to P-body formation. The core components of P-bodies, Dcp2, Dhh1, Kem1/Xrn1, and Edc3, were identified in C. albicans and their localizations with respect to P-bodies were demonstrated. Deletion of P-body scaffolding protein Edc3 attenuated stress-induced responses, including cell death and ROS accumulation. Our current interest is to investigate the Edc3-dependent gene expression regulation during yeast apoptosis and filamentous growth.

Selected Publication

  • Jung, D., J. Ahn, B. Rhee, and J. Kim. 2017. Mutational analysis of the RNA helicase Dhh1 in Ste12 expression and yeast mating. J. Microbiol. 55, 373-378
  • Jeong, J.-H., S.-E. Lee, and J. Kim. 2016. Mutational analysis of matacaspase CaMca1 and decapping activator Edc3 in the pathogenicity of Candida albicans. Fungal Genet. Biol. 97, 18-23.
  • Kim, E.-C. and J. Kim. 2015. Deletion analysis of LSm, FDF, and YjeF domains of Candida albicans Edc3 in hyphal growth and oxidative-stress response. J. Microbiol. 53,111-115
  • Jung, J.-H. and J. Kim. 2014. Roles of Edc3 in the oxidative stress response and CaMca1-encoded metacaspase expression in Candida albicans. FEBS J. 281, 4841-4851.