Understanding How Sex Hormones Influence Reproductive Health and Disease

Ji-Yong Julie Kim, PhD, is the Susy Y. Hung Research Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine. Her laboratory aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms associated with the development and growth of endometrial cancer, endometriosis and fibroids to identify novel therapeutic targets. Kim is also the co-director of the Center for Reproductive Science and a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics.  

What are your research interests? 

I have always been fascinated by the intricate ways sex hormones influence reproductive health and disease. My research focuses on understanding how these hormones interact with various risk factors to drive the development and progression of uterine diseases, including endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids and endometriosis. To address these challenges, my lab develops cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo models that closely mimic human reproductive tissues. This includes 3D organ cultures on microfluidic platforms, patient-derived xenografts, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for disease modeling. By refining these models, we aim to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical applications, paving the way for better therapeutic interventions​. 

What is the ultimate goal of your research? 

At the heart of my research is the desire to make a meaningful impact on women's health. The ultimate goal is to translate laboratory discoveries into effective, real-world interventions. By refining our understanding of uterine diseases at the molecular level, we aim to develop novel drug targets and improve drug screening approaches. Our work not only advances fundamental reproductive science but also has direct implications for developing more personalized and effective therapies for patients​. 

What types of collaborations are you engaged in across campus (and beyond)? 

Collaboration is integral to my research philosophy. At Northwestern, I work closely with interdisciplinary teams that include molecular biologists, bioengineers and clinicians. This collaborative environment has led to the development of innovative technologies like the EVATAR and LATTICE platforms, which are multi-organ microphysiological systems designed to replicate human physiology in vitro. These platforms allow us to study complex endocrine interactions and test novel treatments in a highly controlled setting. Beyond Northwestern, I collaborate with researchers at other institutions on projects related to cancer health disparities, translational medicine and reproductive disease modeling​. 

How is your research funded? 

My research is supported by multiple National Institute of Health grants, which provide crucial funding for projects exploring diverse aspects of reproductive disease. Key funded projects include investigations into progesterone receptor action in obesity and endometrial cancer prevention, the role of reactive oxygen species in uterine leiomyoma, and microphysiological modeling of endometriosis. Additionally, I participate in the Northwestern University Cancer Health Equity Research SPORE project, which focuses on understanding racial disparities in gynecologic cancers. These funding sources allow my lab to pursue innovative research with the potential to transform patient care​. 

Where have you recently published papers? 

My team is committed to disseminating our findings in high-impact journals. One of our most recent publications, which examined transcriptomic differences in uterine serous tumors from Black and white women using single-nuclei RNA sequencing, was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Our work has also been published in leading journals such as The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Nature Reviews Endocrinology, JCI Insight, and Lab on a Chip. These publications reflect the broad scope of our research, spanning microfluidic culture models, endometrial organoids and tumor genomics​. 

How did you become interested in this area of research? 

My passion for reproductive science and cancer biology was sparked during my graduate and postdoctoral training, where I first delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying endometrial physiology. I was captivated by the complex interplay of hormones and their profound effects on reproductive health. Over time, my research evolved toward translational applications, as I saw the pressing need to develop better disease models and therapeutic strategies for uterine disorders. This journey led me to establish my own laboratory, where I now have the privilege of mentoring young scientists and contributing to advancements that have the potential to improve women's health worldwide​.