김명석 (Myungsuk Kim) Ph.D.
김명석 (Myungsuk Kim) Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
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The Scientific Vision: Decoding the Complexity of Life
We are no longer in an era where single-target biology can solve complex human diseases. My research is driven by a moonshot objective: to decode the intricate dialogue between our genetic blueprint, the gut microbiome, and environmental inputs like diet. By integrating Diversity Outbred (DO) systems genetics with AI-driven multi-omics, we aim to unravel the root causes of metabolic and geriatric diseases, translating these discoveries into precision therapeutics.
Mentorship Philosophy: Unlearning, Humility, and the 'Full-Stack' Scientist
The era of passive 'education' is over; we are in the era of relentless, self-driven learning. My ultimate goal as a mentor is not to produce experimental technicians, but to incubate independent, 'Full-Stack' Principal Investigators. To achieve this 10X growth, we must practice rigorous Unlearning—discarding outdated assumptions to see data as it truly is. This requires profound Humility, acknowledging that true innovation begins at the edge of our ignorance. Through our interactive mentorship ecosystem and AI-integrated workflows, I challenge my team to operate with absolute 'Skin in the Game', building the resilience and cognitive immune system necessary to lead the future of science.
🎓 ACADEMIC JOURNEY
Dr. Kim’s scientific framework uniquely bridges foundational biology and translational business. Beginning at Yonsei University, he merged Bioengineering with Business Administration, cultivating a rare perspective on both bench-side discovery and its real-world clinical application. He refined his expertise in systems genetics at the University of California, Davis, mapping the complex GxE (Gene-by-Environment) interactions linking the gut microbiota to metabolic diseases.
🔬 Professional Appointments
2022 – Present Senior Research Scientist, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea
2017 - 2021 Graduate Student Researcher, USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center, USA
2013 – 2017 Research Scientist, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea (including Military service)
2011 - 2012 Research Assistant, Yonsei University, Department of Biotechnology
🏅 AWARDS & HONORS
UST Excellent Teacher Commendation (2024.12)
Young Investigator Research Award, Korean Society of Molecular and Cellular Biology (2022.09)
Asan Biomedical Sciences Scholarship, Asan Foundation (₩100 million) (2020.01)
HENRY A. JASTRO Graduate Research Award, University of California, Davis (2019.10)
KIST Fellowship, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (2017.09)
Minister Award, Ministry of Health and Welfare (2011.11)
Full Tuition National Science and Technology Scholarship, Korea Research Foundation (2006-2010)
Multiple
Best R&D Team Awards and Best Poster Awards from various institutions including KIST and domestic academic societies
📄PATENTS
Lead Inventor for a composition for treating muscular diseases using Poncirus trifoliata extract, with patents filed in Korea, the U.S., Europe, and via PCT, supported by the Eureka Project.
Co-inventor for a wound treatment composition containing Stellera chamaejasme extract, registered in Europe and Japan.
Co-inventor for a method of preventing or treating obesity, registered in the U.S. and Korea
🤝TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS
Co-inventor on multiple technology transfers to various companies, including:
A composition for bone disease prevention using
Oenanthe javanica extract to Botanose Co., Ltd. (2023.08)Compositions using
Convallaria keiskei and Aster yomena extracts to Life Story Co., Ltd. (2023.02)Technology for modulating inflammatory diseases based on extracellular vesicles to Envience Co., Ltd. (2023.01)
Technology related to natural products (
Ixeridium dentatum, Lysimachia clethroides) and smart farm cultivation to Daedong Co., Ltd. (2022.11)
🎤 GLOBAL & NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Dr. Kim is a frequently invited speaker at premier scientific congresses and institutions, sharing insights on the Gut-Muscle Axis, Systems Genetics, and Microbiome dynamics.
Selected Recent Keynotes & Seminars (2022–2025):
10th Microbiome R&D and Business Collaboration Congress Asia (Singapore)
2025 SIDDS & 2024 Cachexia Medifood Symposium (Seoul)
Annual Meetings: KSMCB, KSFST, KSBMB, KSABC, and UKC (USA)
Invited Institutional Seminars: Seoul National University, Yonsei University (College of Medicine & Dentistry), Ewha Womans University, and Pusan National University.
🧾FEATURED PUBLICATIONS
Hong, S.*, Nguyen, B. N.*, Min, H.T., Youn, H.Y., Cha, K.H., Park, Y.T., Lee, C., Yoo, G.H.*, Kim, M*. (2024) Host-specific effects of Eubacterium species on Rg3-mediated osteosarcopenia treatment in a genetically diverse mouse population. Microbiome 12, 251. (*co-corresponding author, IF: 13.8, JCR: 4.7%)
Nguyen, B. N., Hong, S., Choi, S., Lee, C.*, Yoo, G.H.*, Kim, M*. (2024) Dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy and bone loss in six genetically diverse collaborative cross founder strains demonstrate phenotypic variability by Rg3 treatment. J. Ginseng Res. 48(3):310-322. (*co-corresponding author, IF: 6.8, JCR: 1.2%)
Kim, M., Huda, M.N., Evans, L.W., Que, E., Gertz, E.R., Maeda-Smithies, N., Bennett, B.J. (2023) Integrative analysis of hepatic transcriptional profiles reveals genetic regulation of atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic Diversity Outbred-F1 mice. Sci. Rep. 13(1):9475. (IF: 5.00, JCR: 25.3%)
Kim, M. *, Huda, M.N.*, Bennett, B.J., (2022) Sequence meets function—Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease. Cardiovasc. Res. 118(2):399-412 (*co-first author, IF: 14.24, JCR: 6.6%)
Kim, M. *, Huda, M.N., O'Connor, A., Albright, J., Durbin-Johnson, B., Bennett, B.J., (2021) Hepatic transcriptional profile reveals the role of diet and genetic backgrounds on metabolic traits in female progenitor strains of the Collaborative Cross. Physiol. Genomics. 53(5): 173-192 (Selected as a cover page, IF: 4.30, JCR: 27.8%)
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