SBRI Room J-219, home of Kang Lab, is the nexus of Parkinsonian research. On the U of C campus, that is. When visiting the lab, one enters a quiet, unintimidating, space of cerebral stimulation. Its inhabitants attribute such a unique environment to the existence of their own lunch room, a place known both for its mouth-watering aroma and lively gastronomic discussions. Another plausible explanation for this collegial workplace would be the people who work in the lab. The leader of this lab is none other than the widely recognized, Citizen Kang. In his GQ finest, Kang (or The Boss) oversees laboratory operation in his office within the lab. Besides the weekly lab meeting with lab members and/or collaborators, his open door policy promotes frequent meetings to discuss research progress.

            Two post-docs, Yunmin the Slicer and Lisa the Extractor, research the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders and explore new therapeutic modalities for brain repair. One area of focus is the limitations of current symptomatic treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD). Dopaminergic replacement therapy is one of the most successful examples of symptomatic treatment for neurodegenerative disorders. However, patients with advanced PD can suffer, paradoxically, from excess movement secondary to this therapy. Studying mouse models of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia and wearing-off helps understand us the mechanisms underlying the development of motor complications. Yunmin and Lisa also investigate specific anatomical structures that are important in mediating these aberrant plastic responses and explore potential therapeutic strategies.

            Yunmin the Slicer honed his cryostat skills at an Italian delicatessen. He compares sectioning mouse brain to getting the perfect gossamer slice of prosciutto de Parma. Lisa the Extractor is a former CIA operative who dismantled a major global mouse organ trafficking ring. No longer working undercover, Lisa prefers the idyllic academic life. Currently, the Slicer and the Extractor moonlight at The Colony, sorting and mating the correct combination of mice for their behavioral experiments. Assisting Yumin and Lisa with their work is Sameera the Voyeur, who watches the videotaped mice with a hint of glee.

            Two CON graduate students, Will the Fractionator and Natasha the Noobie, are interested in the pathogenesis of PD. The central aspect of PD pathogenesis is the degeneration of brain stem nuclei with predilection to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Both environmental and genetic factors are suspects in this process. Currently, Will and Natasha are researching the role of two genes associated with recessive forms of PD, DJ-1 and PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase 1), in normal cellular function and in the pathogenesis of PD using cellular and mouse models. Studying the interaction of DJ-1 or PINK1 with potential intrinsic vulnerability factors in SNpc neurons and with environmental toxins promotes understanding of the common mechanism of dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in both sporadic and genetic forms of PD.

            Will the Fractionator is actually a T-1000 cyborg with an insatiable appetite for data and rib tips. He divides his time between dissertation research and working as an Iron Chef. Lab newbie, Natasha the Noobie, governs her cell cultures with an iron fist, fibroblasts living in constant fear of death. Her reign of terror has created defiant cells that refuse to cooperate with the experiments. Assisting the Fractionator is undergradate student Anthony the Under-Grad, who has ambitions for graduate studies in Global Domination, Dr. Evil-style.

            The colorful personalities of Kang Lab exude positive and supportive energy, making this research center an enjoyable place to pursue scientific knowledge. Guided tours of the lab are available by appointment and payment by R01.