Eunice EunKyeong Kim

Korea Institute of Science and Technology

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About

Eunice EunKyeong Kim is a structural biologist whose work has illuminated the machinery behind novel protein modification systems. Her research primarily focuses on the structural and functional characterization of enzymes involved in ubiquitin-like protein pathways, with a particular emphasis on the Ufm1 system. In her landmark 2008 study, which has garnered 59 citations, Kim provided the first structural basis for how Ufm1 is processed by the protease UfSP1, revealing a unique fold and catalytic mechanism that distinguishes it from other deubiquitinating enzymes. This foundational work has been critical for understanding the Ufm1 conjugation cascade and its emerging roles in cellular stress responses and disease. Beyond her structural insights, Kim has also made significant methodological contributions to the field. She developed an innovative robotic system for high-throughput optimization of soluble protein expression, enabling researchers to screen multiple induction parameters simultaneously. This practical tool, detailed in her 2007 paper, has streamlined protein production for structural studies. Through her dual focus on fundamental biology and technical innovation, Kim has advanced our understanding of post-translational modification while providing essential resources for the broader structural biology community.