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KIST's Person of the Month: Dr. Sang Kyung Kim (2020.04.29)
- Date : 2020-05-15
- Views : 1595
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International Cooperation Team
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KIST's Person of the Month: Dr. Sang Kyung Kim
This month’s KIST
“Person of the Month” Award was given to Dr. Sang Kyung Kim from the Molecular
Recognition Research Center in recognition of his achievements with the
commercialization of multi-molecular diagnosis development technology through
Real Time PCR of fine particles, a DNA analysis technology which enables the
quick and precise diagnosis of infectious diseases such as influenza,
coronavirus, etc., which was made possible as a result of patent applications
and registrations.
This technology
developed by Dr. Sang Kyung Kim amplifies nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA,
for hyper-efficacy by using micro-particles. First of all, Dr. Kim’s research
team created micro-particles that could hold a high capacity of “primers,”
short pieces of DNA that amplify the specific sequence of genes needed for PCR.
The inner region of these micro-particles has a porous structure like a sponge,
allowing the amplification of enzymes to freely occur. Dr. Kim’s team was able
to amplify and analyze several types of DNA simply and easily by putting
different primers into micro-particles, turning them into particle “cocktails.”
While existing PCR
analysis is limited to only three or four types of genes at a time, by
utilizing this technology, more than 20 types of multiple molecular diagnosis
can be implemented. In particular, this technology also facilitates expansion
of the scope of simultaneous analysis, for multiple analyses can be applied to
harder-to-reach RNA targets.
KIST has
transferred this technology to Genesystem Co., Ltd. (advance payment of KRW 300
million, 3% of operational expenses), and is working on its commercialization
by registering related patents under “Multiplex PCR.” It is currently being
developed as an on-site diagnosis technology for respiratory viruses such as
influenza, coronavirus, etc., and is expected to allow for the precise
diagnosis of various diseases by way of transcriptome markers in the future.
KIST’s Person of
the Month Award recognizes and rewards high achievers who contribute to the
Institute in creative, innovative ways. Winners are selected by the Reward
Deliberation Committee.