Kim, Seokhee

Kim, Seokhee is an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at Seoul National University. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular logic behind the generation of biomolecular diversity and applying this knowledge to biotechnology and medicine. She investigates how organisms generate and manipulate diverse biomolecules, such as secondary metabolites and antibodies, through sophisticated mechanisms. Kim's work includes dissecting the processes underlying biomolecular diversity and exploring their practical applications. She has published extensively in leading scientific journals, including Nature Chemical Biology and Nucleic Acids Research.

Seokhee Kim's research focuses on RiPP (Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-translationally Modified) biosynthesis, targeted in vivo hypermutation, and continuous directed evolution. Their work explores the molecular mechanisms of outer membrane biogenesis, proteolytic cage assembly, and the enzymology of peptide macrocyclases. Kim's studies reveal how gene-specific mutagenesis enables rapid enzyme evolution and how proteolytic regulation balances cellular fitness during stress. They also investigate the biosynthesis of unique macrocyclic peptides, such as cihunamides, which exhibit antibacterial properties through CYP450-catalyzed C−N linkages. These findings contribute to understanding microbial adaptation and the engineering of novel bioactive peptides.