My research interest and expertise are in the field of metabolism, neuroendocrinology and islet biology. My research program aims to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of metabolic diseases by exploiting my previous research discoveries on the biology of key molecules Salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3), AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY).

My work aims to elucidate the role of AMPK in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism in immune cells and its implication in the development of atherosclerosis and diabetes-associated complications. In addition, my research also focuses on understanding the role of NPY system in pancreatic islet function and hepatic lipid metabolism, and to translate this new biochemical and phenotypic understanding into treatment for diabetes.

One of my recent research programs focuses on understanding the cellular signalling events involved a novel protein kinase called SIK3 and its role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and the development of obesity.

Key achievements

2019 & 2022   Diabetes Australia Research Trust General Research Grant

2019-2021   Chief Investigator (CIA) – NHMRC Project Grant

2018-2019   LEW Carty Charitable Fund

2018   Australian Diabetes Society Skip Martin Fellowship

2017   SVI Director’s Award – Most outstanding publication by a postdoc

2015-2017   Chief Investigator (CIA) – NHMRC New Investigator Grant

2012-2013   Diabetes Australia Research Trust General Research Grant

2010   Monash University Annual Research Conference – 1st prize seminar winner

2008-2011   International Postgraduate Research Scholarship; Monash Graduate Scholarship

Selected publications

CH Yang, D Ann-Onda, X Lin, S Fynch, S Nadarajah, EG Pappas, X Liu, JW Scott, JS Oakhill, S Galic, YC Shi, A Moreno-Asso, C Smith, T Loudovaris, I Levinger, DL Eizirik, DR Laybutt, H Herzog, HE Thomas, KIM LOH (2022). Neuropeptide Y1 receptor antagonism protects β-cells and improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Journal: Molecular Metabolism, DOI:10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101413

MKS Lee, OD Cooney, X Lin, S Nadarajah, D Dragoljevic, K Huynh, D Ann-Onda, S Galic, PJ Meikle, T Edlund, MD Fullerton, BE Kemp, AJ Murphy, KIM LOH (2022). Defective AMPK regulation of cholesterol metabolism accelerates atherosclerosis by promoting HSPC mobilization and myelopoiesis. Journal: Molecular Metabolism, DOI:10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101514

KIM LOH, Tam S, Murray-Segal L, Huynh K, Meikle PJ, Scott JW, Chen ZP, Steel R, LeBlond ND, Burkovsky LA, O’Dwyer C, Nunes JRC, Steinberg GR, Fullerton MD, Galic S and Kemp BE (2019) Inhibition of AMPK-HMGCR Signaling Leads to Hypercholesterolemia and Promotes Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance. Journal: Hepatology Communications, DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1279

KIM LOH, Shi YC, Walters S, Bensellam M, Lee KL, Dezaki K, Nakata M, Gurzov E, Thomas HE, Waibel M, Cantley J, Kay TWH, Yada T, Laybutt RD, Grey S and Herzog H (2017). Inhibition of Y1 receptor signaling improves islet transplant outcome. Journal: Nature Communications, DOI:10.1038/s41467-017-00624-2

Yulyaningsih E*, KIM LOH*, Lin S*, Lau J, Zhang L, Shi YC, Berning B, Enriquez R, Driessler F, Macia L, Khor E, Qi Y, Baldock P, Sainsbury A & Herzog H (2014). Pancreatic Polypeptide controls energy homeostasis via Npy6r signaling in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in mice. Journal: Cell Metabolism, DOI:10.1016/j.cmet.2013.11.019 Co-first author

KIM LOH, Fukushima A, Zhang XM, Galic S, Briggs D, Enriori PJ, Simonds S, Weide F, Reichenbach A, Hauser C, Sims NA, Bence KK, Zhang S, Zhang ZY, Kahn BB, Neel BG, Andrews ZB, Cowley MA, and Tiganis T (2011). Elevated hypothalamic TCPTP in obesity contributes to cellular leptin resistance. Journal: Cell Metabolism, DOI:10.1016/j.cmet.2011.09.011

ORCID profile: 0000-0003-3781-1926

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