Eunhee Kim
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
McGovern Medical School
Department of Neurosurgery
My research is focused on evaluating molecular and genetic mechanisms, biomarkers, and inflammatory response involved in stroke pathology. Although stroke is one of the major causes of disability and death worldwide, treatment options are very limited for the stroke patients. Several risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes have been involved in the higher stroke incidence and poorer outcomes, the underlying mechanism(s) of the negative impact is not clear. By incorporating the human risk factors in animal models of stroke, we are particularly interested in to determine how post-stroke stress response is regulated in the comorbid conditions and how it affects stroke-induced immune response and stroke outcomes including acute injury and long-term recovery. Another line of research is focused on understanding the pathology of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM). The bAVM is the abnormal vasculature in brain caused by direct connection of artery and venous without capillary system and known as a critical risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage include young patients. However, the etiology and pathophysiology of bAVM are largely unknown. Thus, our research determines how molecular factors related to angiogenesis are involved in developing the bAMV using animal models. By finding target vascular or genetic factors based on understanding the molecular mechanism, pathology, and hemodynamic of the diseases, our ultimately goal is developing novel therapeutic strategies for patients with stroke or bAVM.
Each student joined our lab will pursue their own project derived from the main lines of research. Students will participate for the study to determine if stress-regulated immune response affects to the acute stroke outcome in diabetes or to find the underlying mechanism of a particular angiogenic factor regulate bAVM formation and pathology. They will learn to establish scientific hypotheses and experimental strategies to prove the hypotheses. Technically, they will learn basic molecular works, animal handling and surgery, how to analyze and interpret data. They will learn scientific presentation skills by presenting their study in lab meeting and conferences. They will also learn to search/read/understand scientific literatures and write scientific manuscripts by publishing their results in journals and applying to appropriate fellowship awards. By work together with colleagues, they will learn how to cooperate with others and it will improve their scientific communication and collaboration skills.
McGovern Medical School Faculty
Education & Training
Ph.D. - Kyunghee University - 2006