Hanyang University. Korea: Professor Kyesung Kim of the Department of Biomedical Science of Graduate University
is an expert and professor on stem cells and their effects in the
medical field of science and biology. As a renowned expert of this
field, Kim has been carrying out research on genes and stem cells, one
of the most popular topics of study in biomedical science. His recent
paper, ‘Concise Review: Exploring miRNAs – toward a better understanding
of hematopoiesis,’ explains the effects of micro RNAs in the process of
hematopoiesis.
“It was an unchanging dogma for many years, that only certain genes
such as DNA and RNA had affected the formation of protein, shaping the
traits of each individual. Yet, the discovery of micro RNAs (miRNA)
opened a new domain of study. In the past, miRNAs, small pieces of
genes, were thought to have no effect on our body. However, many
scientists, including myself, have been researching their roles in
sustaining our body.” Kim said. Since 2003, Kim has been studying the
effects of miRNA on hematopoietic stem cells, the stem cells that
produce blood cells. After long years of study, Kim came to examine the
critical roles of miRNAs in the blood-making process.
“The real-life application of miRNA in hematopoiesis basically
involves two important functions: illness prevention and recovery.” When
checking for possible or potential diseases, it is possible for miRNAs
to serve as biomarkers. As miRNAs play important roles in the
maintenance of the body, they show the possible conditions of the body.
In the case of hematopoiesis, it may help in the early detection of
blood-related illnesses such as leukemia, so people may prevent further
worsening of the disease. Not only in detection, but miRNAs can function
as medicine. “In addition, in the case of diseases that occurred due to
high levels of miRNA, doctors can help their patient get better by
lowering the levels. The possibilities of miRNAs in the actual medical
field are infinite, since they can affect the causation of many
illnesses.” Kim commented.
Upon researching about miRNAs, Kim says that discovering the
importance of miRNAs in embryos had been particularly interesting. His
recent paper based on the topic describes the effects of miRNAs in
embryonic stem cells. “While the embryo grows into a baby, the embryonic
stem cell plays a fundamental role in creating a young body with
incoming nutrients and existing genetic information. Kim discovered the
miRNAs play a crucial role in the process so that the embryo can grow
into a baby without health problems. The field of miRNA is definitely
infinite, as we cannot be existent without them” Kim elaborated.
Kim owes his past achievements and ongoing successes to the passion
that he has toward science. “Passion is something that every student
needs to have in order to enjoy what they study. No scientist studies to
earn money or fame – studying comes out of simple curiosity. When
scientists fulfill their curiosity, they contribute to the world with
discoveries that improve everyone’s lives. Studying the field of science
may save thousands of people, as long as scientists have passion to
motivate their studies.” Kim advised.