Sangchoul Im, PhD
As an Assistant Research Scientist of the drug-metabolism lab, I have engaged in collaborative research with numerous investigators at the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, University of South Carolina, Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University. My research is focused on understanding cytochrome b5's (Cyt b5) effect on drug metabolism of cytochrome P450 (P450) in the presence of Cytochrome P450 Reductase (CPR). The Cyt b5 stimulates P450 metabolism 10% to 1000% depending on substrates. I have been investigating binding structure of the P450-Cyt b5 or P450-CPR complexes and mechanisms of metabolism of P450 to explain the Cyt b5 effect. In order to do that, massive site directed mutagenesis and isotope labeled of the proteins were prepared for enzyme kinetic, enzyme assay and heteronuclear two dimensional solid state (or solution) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. My collaborators are both basic and instrumental scientists that focus on structure of protein, magnetic state of metal of the proteins and vibration mode of heme of P450. My expertise is a "bridge role” in the Biochemistry and Instrumental study. I am an expert in both areas. Proteins prepared for my research are all membrane proteins and need a special technique for protein expression, purification and reconstitution for experiment. Specific labeling by isotope atom is essential to see the structure of the proteins by NMR. Freezing the reaction mixture of P450 and substrate is also important to explain the function of P450. These results have been reported in top journals, including Journal of American Chemical Society, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Biochemistry, etc., as indicated in my CV. While I was not lead or senior author on many of these publications, I played a major role in the experimental design, preparation of reconstituted samples, and analyze the data for the conclusions.
I have also taught my instrumental knowledge to biochemists in my lab such as Postdoctoral Scientist and Research Associates and Biochemistry knowledge to instrumental scientists such as graduate students and postdoctoral scientists. While I am a co-Investigator on My PI’s grants, my expertise is centrally required for the analyses and conclusions reached within the research and therefore essential to the success of the project. Thus, as a team scientist I have effectively supported the successful research of others. This has led to a very fruitful and successful Team Science approach to these research areas where large teams of biochemistry and structural scientists must merge their expertise to draw valuable and appropriate conclusions that have led to paradigm shifting publications.
I am a member of American Chemical Society, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and US-Japan Science Promotion Society. I am proud of contributing to the society.