Un Jung Kang, M.D.
Professor of Neurology
MC 2030, J219
The
Phone (773) 702-6389
Email: unkang@uchicago.edu
My academic
interests are the scientific and clinical aspects of neurodegenerative diseases
associated with abnormal involuntary movement disorders such as Parkinson’s
disease (PD). My primary research focus
is on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie these disorders and
devising rational therapeutic approaches through laboratory investigation. My clinical activities include clinical
investigations of new therapeutic agents, biomarker development, and
specialty patient care. Teaching is an
integral part of these activities.
Research interests:
(representative
publication links or pubmed
search list)
Gene Therapy for PD
My initial research focus was to devise gene therapy methods to deliver dopamine centrally and continuously in an attempt to improve current symptomatic treatment approaches for PD using dopaminergic drugs. Through the systematic neurobiological investigation of the biochemical steps, I have established the roles of each step in dopamine biosynthesis for gene therapy and found the optimal set of genes for effective dopamine replacement gene therapy. Our studies have established guidelines for optimal combinations of genes to be used for dopamine replacement, and formed the basis of primate studies and current clinical trials by other investigators.
Mechanisms of Complication of Dopaminergic Therapy in PD
The research focus is on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying dyskinesia, a major limiting factor in current dopaminergic therapy regardless of the delivery methods. We have established toxic and genetic models of PD phenotype. Combining our in-depth understanding of the molecular and biochemical requirements for dopamine replacement, and the behavioral paradigms that allow the distinction between the akinesia improvement and dyskinesia development, we hope to examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms for motor response complications. Physiological studies are also performed in collaboration with Professor Dan McGehee.
We also try to understand the cognitive side effect of dopaminergic therapy, in particular, excessive behaviors that results in gambling, shopping spree, or other impulse control disorders. This work is in collaboration with Professor Harriet de Wit.
Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration in PD
Currently, our major research focus is understanding the mechanism of neurodegeneration in PD. We have investigated clues derived from environmental factors using toxic models. We are trying to understand the role of mitochondria and oxidative stress and the intrinsic properties of dopaminergic neurons that make them more susceptible to degeneration. More recently, we are studying rodent models of genetic PD (DJ-1 and PINK1 mutations) as complementary approaches to understand the disease mechanisms, in collaboration with Professor Xiaoxi Zhuang.
We are interested in applying these findings to develop biomarkers to track the disease progression and disease subtypes as well as to develop therapeutic approaches.
Please also see my websites for the Committee on Neurobiology for further information on research activities, Department of Neurology, the Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, and University of Chicago Medical Center for clinical activities.
EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:
1978 The
University of Chicago,
1982 The Johns
Hopkins University,
1987 Resident in Neurology and Fellow in Movement Disorders, Neurological Institute, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
1988-1992 Research Training in the laboratories of Tong H Joh, Ph.D., Cornell U and Fred H. Gage, Ph.D., U California, San Diego
ACADEMIC POSITIONS:
1992-present Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Department of Neurology, The University of Chicago
1993-present Committees on Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine (since 2002)
Directions and maps:
Office and lab: J219 in the Surgery – Brain Research Building.
Clinic: 4G of the Center for Advanced Medicine.
Driving directions & parking: valet parking at the Center for Advanced Medicine or self park in parking lots.