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So Young Kim

Associate Research Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
0050 CARL, Box 3053, Durham, NC 27710
213 Research Drive, 0050 CARL BX3053, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


I serve as Director of the Duke Functional Genomics Core Facility, where our central mission is to provide resources for high-throughput analysis of gene function and small molecule screens for drug discovery. Our core works with Duke investigators to provide the expertise, infrastructure and libraries necessary for these screens and can collaborate on all stages of the screening project, including study design, assay optimization and data analysis. The facility also provides services for custom cell line engineering using techniques including CRISPR knockouts/knockins, RNAi gene suppression and ORF expression. Our lab is also interested in collaborating with investigators to develop and improve existing methodologies to enhance the utility of functional genomics tools within the lab. 

I am also the Director of the Duke Microbiome Core Facility, which supports the research of investigators seeking to uncover the roles that microbiomes play in human health and the environment. The core provides assistance with study design, sample management, DNA extractions, NGS library prep and data analysis. The lab is also interested in developing new techniques and analysis tools to better assess microbiome composition across a range of sample types.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Research Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2021 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2018 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published September 8, 2022
Chlamydia’s Stealthy Cloaking Device Identified
Published September 8, 2022
Chlamydia’s Stealthy Cloaking Device Identified
Published May 5, 2015
Two faculty receive instrumentation grants from NC Biotech

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Recent Publications


Human giant GTPase GVIN1 forms an antimicrobial coatomer around the intracellular bacterial pathogen Burkholderia thailandensis.

Journal Article bioRxiv · March 28, 2025 Several human pathogens exploit the kinetic forces generated by polymerizing actin to power their intracellular motility. Human cell-autonomous immune responses activated by the cytokine interferon-gamma (IFNγ) interfere with such microbial actin-based mot ... Full text Link to item Cite

Abstract A025: Direct in vivo CRISPR screen identifies BAP1 and FAT1 as potent tumor suppressors in sarcomagenesis

Conference Cancer Research · March 11, 2025 AbstractUndifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is among the most common soft tissue sarcomas (STS) in adults. For decades, little therapeutic progress has been made for STSs, including UPSs. Targeted the ... Full text Cite

Abstract 1085: Exploiting bioenergetic vulnerabilities in chemotherapy resistant osteosarcoma

Conference Cancer Research · March 22, 2024 AbstractBACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone cancer in children and young adults. Standard treatment involves chemotherapy and surgical resection, yet nearly 4 in 10 patients experience dise ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Interferon-inducible cell-intrinsic host defense against Chlamydia trachomatis

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2024 - 2028

Developing equilibrative nucleoside transporter inhibitors as non-opioid pain therapeutics

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Stony Brook University · 2002 Ph.D.