Rosalind Franklin University Researcher Receives $1.9M NIH Grant for Neurological Study

Rosalind Franklin University Researcher Receives NIH Grant

In an exciting development for the field of neurological research, Dr. Hongkyun Kim, a professor of cell biology and anatomy at Rosalind Franklin University (RFU), has been honored with a significant grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The $1.9 million funding, awarded for a duration of five years, will propel Dr. Kim’s research into the molecular and cellular workings of CaV2 voltage-gated calcium channels, which play a crucial role in neuronal communication.

Understanding Calcium Channels and Neurological Disorders

At the heart of Dr. Kim’s research is a critical inquiry into the dysregulation of proteins in humans that are linked to various neurological conditions. The CaV2 calcium channels, which are instrumental in synaptic transmission, determine the strength of communication between nerve cells. Thus, abnormalities in the function or quantity of these channels can lead to severe neurological disorders, including epilepsy, migraines, and chronic pain.

Dr. Kim joined RFU in 2008, transitioning from UCSF's Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, where he developed his expertise in genetic and genomic methodologies aimed at deciphering the mechanisms behind neurological and neuromuscular diseases. His recent focus on voltage-gated calcium channels has opened new avenues for understanding these critical proteins' roles in health and disease.

"Our favorite protein among those involved in synaptic transmission is the CaV2 voltage-gated calcium channel," Dr. Kim remarked on his research. "The proper functioning of these channels is essential for the release of neurotransmitters at neuron synapses. By utilizing C. elegans as a model organism, we hope to identify the molecular components that affect the abundance of these vital channels."

Recognition of Expertise

The recognition of Dr. Kim's groundbreaking work extends beyond this recent grant. Joseph DiMario, PhD, the executive vice president for research at RFU, stated, "Dr. Kim has built an impressive body of research in the field of neurological disorders. This NIH award not only recognizes his expertise but also enhances our understanding of calcium channels in the context of disease pathology."

The NIH funding is expected to bolster RFU's ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and treatment options in neuroscience. The university, named after the pioneering scientist Dr. Rosalind Franklin, is dedicated to the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals while fostering an environment ripe for groundbreaking research in various fields, including brain disorders, diabetes, and inherited diseases.

As RFU continues to uphold Dr. Franklin's legacy of inquiry and dedication, Dr. Kim's research promises to make significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of neurological illnesses, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies that could alter lives.

For more information about Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and its research initiatives, visit their website at rosalindfranklin.edu.