Kim Tran, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Director, Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences Program
Additional Roles
Professor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program
Professor, Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Program
Professor, Physiology and Pharmacology
Areas of Expertise
Education: |
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Postdoctoral Training, University of Missouri-Kansas City |
Ph.D. in Medical Sciences, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan |
Advanced Training in Clinical Cardiology, Hamamatsu University Hospital, Japan |
Residency, Internal Medicine & Cardiology, HCMC University Hospitals |
M.D., University of Medicine and Pharmacy at HoChiMinh City, Vietnam |
My laboratory is interested in various aspects of cardiovascular pathobiology and therapeutics, in particular disorders associated with menopause, hypertension and heart failure. We use a combination of molecular, biochemical, and cellular approaches, coupled with animal studies. Current areas of emphasis include:
- Novel therapeutic applicability of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER): The increases in the risk and incidence of cardiovascular morbidity following menopause are associated with abnormal cardiovascular pressor responses. Our recent studies have identified unique estrogen-dependent and independent actions of GPER in signaling and functions of cardiovascular tissues. We are focusing on the therapeutic applicability of some novel tools developed from these actions in acute cardiovascular pressor responses and chronic cardiovascular remodeling.
- New roles of calmodulin in the regulation of cardiovascular responses: Calmodulin is the ubiquitous transducer of cellular calcium signals yet is a limiting factor in all cardiovascular tissues. Our recent studies have identified novel functional interactions between calmodulin and critical receptors for cardiovascular pressor responses, including GPER, AT1R, α1AAR and β1AR. We are investigating the roles of calmodulin in regulating agonist stimulation, G protein coupling and trafficking of these GPCRs.
- Novel tool development for autophagy studies: Autophagy is an essential process whereby tissues catabolize unnecessary components to maintain homeostasis and produce energy for tissue functions. It is important in cardiac adaptation to ischemic conditions and hypertrophic stimuli, and abnormal autophagy promotes the development of heart failure. We are interested in developing new tools that enable dynamic and real-time monitoring of autophagy and using these tools in investigating the roles of autophagy in regulating cardiovascular pressor responses.
- McConnaha E, Giles J, Wauson E, Tran QK*. Available calmodulin and autophagy: pas de deux at rest. (2022) Autophagy Reports, 1:1, 201-204, DOI: 10.1080/27694127.2022.2069969. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Giles J, Lopez V, McConnaha E, Hayden M, Kragenbring C, Carli D, Wauson E*, Tran QK*. Regulation of basal autophagy by calmodulin availability. FEBS J. 2022 Mar 14. doi: 10.1111/febs.16432. Online ahead of print. PMID: 35285161. *Corresponding authors. Article link.
- Stencel MG, VerMeer M, Giles J, Tran QK*. Endothelial regulation of calmodulin expression and eNOS-calmodulin interaction in vascular smooth muscle. Mol Cell Biochem. 2022 Feb 16. Doi: 10.1007/s11010-022-04391-7. PMID: 35125291. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Kaster K, Patton J, Clayton S, Wauson E, Giles J, Tran QK*. A novel assay to assess the effects of estrogen on the cardiac calmodulin binding equilibrium. Life Sciences, 2022 Feb 1;290:120247. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120247. Epub 2021 Dec 23. PMID 34954214. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Reciprocality between Estrogen Biology and Calcium Signaling in the Cardiovascular System. Tran QK*. Front. Endocrinol. 2020 Sept. 29 doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.568203. PMID: 33133016. Article link.
- Female Heart Health: Is GPER the Missing Link? Groban L, Tran QK, Ferrario CM, Sun X, Cheng CP, Kitzman DW, Wang H, Lindsey SH. Front. Endocrinol. (Lausanne). 2020 Jan 14;10:919. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00919. eCollection 2019. Review. PMID: 31993020. Article link.
- Regulation of Beta Adrenoceptor-mediated Myocardial Contraction and Calcium Dynamics by the G Protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor 1. Whitcomb V, Wauson E, Christian D, Clayton S, Giles J, Tran QK*. Biochem Pharmacol. 2020 Jan;171:113727. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113727. Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31759979 *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Evaluating Calmodulin-Protein Interactions by Rapid Photoactivated Cross-Linking in Live Cells Metabolically Labeled with Photo-Methionine. Black DJ, Tran QK, Keightley A, Chinawalkar A, McMullin C, Persechini A. J. Proteome Res. 2019 Oct 4;18(10):3780-3791. doi: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00510. Epub 2019 Sep 20. PMID: 31483676 Article link.
- Calcium/calmodulin regulates signaling at the alpha1A adrenoceptor. Gebert-Oberle B, Giles J, Clayton S, Tran QK*. Eur J Pharmacol. 2019;848:70-79; pii: S0014-2999(19)30067-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.01.042. PMID 306900001*Corresponding author. Article link.
- Novel regulations of the angiotensin II receptor type 1 by calmodulin. Ehlers K, Clements R, VerMeer M, Giles J, Tran QK*. Biochem Pharmacol 2018 Jun;152:187-200. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.03.027. Epub 2018 Mar 30. PMID: 29605626. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Suppression of store-operated Ca2+ entry by activation of GPER: contribution to a clamping effect on endothelial Ca2+ signaling. Terry LE, VerMeer M, Giles J, Tran QK*. Biochem J. 2017 Oct 23;474(21):3627-3642. doi: 10.1042/BCJ20170630. PMID 28935720. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Targeting the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Watanabe H, Tran QK. (Book Chapter) in: Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension – From Bench to Bedside. Springer 2017. ISBN: 978-981-287-840-3 (eBook); 978-981-287-839-7 (Hardcover). Article link.
- Estrogen Enhances Linkage in the Vascular Endothelial Calmodulin Network via a Feedforward Mechanism at the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1. Tran QK*, Firkins RM, Giles J, Francis S, Matnishian V, Tran P, VerMeer M, Jasurda JS, Burgard MA, Gebert-Oberle B. J. Biol. Chem. 2016 May 13;291(20):10805-23. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M115.697334. PMID 26987903. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Hetero-oligomeric complex between the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 and the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase 4b. Tran QK*, VerMeer M, Burgard MA, Hassan AB, Giles J. J Biol Chem 2015 May 22;290(21):13293-307. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M114.628743. PMID 25847233. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Fluorescence quenching studies of structure and dynamics in calmodulin-eNOS complexes. Arnett DC, Persechini A, Tran QK, Black DJ, Johnson CK. FEBS Lett. 2015 Apr 11. pii: S0014-5793(15)00237-9. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.03.035. PMID 25871521. Article link.
- Abnormal Hemodynamics in the Pulmonary Artery Depicted with Time-resolved 3D Phase Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (4D-Flow) in a Young Patient with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Odagiri K, Inui N, Miyakawa S, Hakamata A, Wei J, Takehara Y, Sakahara H, Sugiyama M, Alley M, Tran QK, Watanabe H. Circ J 2014; 78(7): 1770-1772. PMID 24790032. Article link.
- Biosensor-based approach identifies four distinct calmodulin-binding domains in the G Protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor 1. Tran QK*, VerMeer M. PLOS ONE 2014; 9(2): e89669.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0089669. PMID 24586950. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- “State of the Nation: How can the US ensure its medical research and healthcare does not fall behind on the global stage?” Tran QK. Research Roundtable Group Interview, International Innovation, US Focus Issue, Jul. 2013, 21 – 23.
- The GPER Effect. Tran QK. International Innovation, US Focus Issue, Jul. 2013, 88.
- Renewed hope for HRT users. Tran QK. International Innovation, US Focus Issue, Jul. 2013, 89-90.
- Novel oral prostacyclin analog with thromboxane synthase inhibitory activity for management of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Tran QK*, Watanabe H. Circ J. 2013; 77 (8), 1994-5. PMID 23803333. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Calmodulin-induced structural changes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Persechini A, Tran QK, Black DJ, Gogol EP. FEBS Letters 2013; 587:297-301. PMID 23266515. Article link.
- An Interdisciplinary Learning Opportunity Affecting Attitudes in Interprofessional Care. Tran QK*, Newton A, Smith K, Stumbo T, Mortensen L., Plundo D. Med. Sci. Ed. 2013; 23(3S) 482 – 493. *Corresponding author. Article link.
- Effects of combined phosphorylation at Ser-617 and Ser-1179 in endothelial nitric oxide synthase on EC50(Ca2+) values for calmodulin binding and enzyme activation. Tran QK, Leonard J, Black DJ, Persechini A. J. Biol Chem2009;284(18):11892-9. PMID 19251696. Article link.
- Phosphorylation within an Autoinhibitory Domain in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Reduces the Ca2+ Concentrations Required for Calmodulin To Bind and Activate the Enzyme. Tran QK, Leonard J, Black DJ, Persechini A. Biochemistry 2008;47(28):7557-66. PMID 18558722. Article link.
- Calcium signaling in the endothelium. Tran QK, Watanabe H. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2006(176 Pt.1)145-87. PMID 16999219. Article link.
- Dominant affectors in the calmodulin network shape the time courses of target responses in the cell. Tran QK, Black DJ, Persechini A. Cell Calcium 2005;37(6):541-553. PMID 15862345. Article link.
- Monitoring the total available calmodulin concentration in intact cells over the physiological range in free Ca2+. Black DJ, Tran QK, Persechini A. Cell Calcium 2004; 35(5):415-25. PMID 15003851. Article link.
- Nitric oxide: inhibitory effects on endothelial cell calcium signaling, prostaglandin I2 production and nitric oxide synthase expression. Takeuchi K, Watanabe H, Tran QK, Ozeki M, Sumi D, Hayashi T, Iguchi A, Ignarro LJ, Ohashi K, Hayashi H. Cardiovasc Res 2004;62:194-201. PMID 15023566. Article link.
- Intracellular coupling via limiting calmodulin. Tran QK, Black DJ, Persechini A. J. Biol. Chem. 2003;278(27):24247-50. PMID 12738782. Article link.
- Effects of cytochrome P450 inhibitors on agonist-induced Ca2+ responses and production of NO and PGI2 in vascular endothelial cells. Takeuchi K, Watanabe H, Tran QK, Ozeki M, Uehara A, Katoh H, Satoh H, Terada H, Hayashi H. Mol Cell Biochem. 2003;248(1-2):129-34. PMID 12870664. Article link.
- Myosin Light Chain Kinase in Endothelial Cell Calcium Signaling and Endothelial Functions. Tran QK, Watanabe H. (Book Chapter) In: Atherosclerosis, Hypertension and Diabetes (Book series: Progress in Experimental Cardiology. Vol. 8, pp 163-174; 2003). Eds. Pierce G.N., Nagano M, Zahradka P, and Dhalla NS. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. ISBN 1-4020-7311-9. Article link.
- Sildenafil for primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension. Watanabe H, Ohashi K, Takeuchi K, Yamashita K, Yokoyama T, Tran QK, Satoh H, Terada H, Ohashi H, Hayashi H. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2002;71(5):398-402. PMID 12011826. Article link.
- Insulin inhibits coronary endothelial cell Ca2+ entry and coronary artery relaxation. Tran QK, Watanabe H, Le H-Y, Takeuchi K, Hattori Y, Tomioka H, Ohashi K, Hayashi H. J Cardiovas Pharmacol 2001; 38 (6):885-892. PMID 11707692. Article link.
- Myosin light chain kinase regulates capacitative Ca2+ entry in human monocytes/macrophages. Tran QK, Watanabe H, Le H-Y, Ling P, Seto M, Takeuchi K, Ohashi K. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21; 509-515. PMID 11356937. Article link.
- Myosin light-chain kinase regulates endothelial Ca2+ entry and endothelium-derived vasodilation. Watanabe H, Tran QK, Takeuchi K, Fukao M, Liu MY, Kanno M, Hayashi T, Iguchi A, Seto M, Ohashi K. FASEB J. 2001; 15(2):282-284. Article link.
- Role of endothelial Ni2+-sensitive Ca2+ entry pathway in regulation of EDHF in porcine coronary artery. Tomioka H, Hattori Y, Fukao M, Watanabe H, Akaishi Y, Sato A, Tran QK, Sakuma I, Kitabatake A, Kanno M. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2001; 280:H730-H737. Article link.
- Calcium signaling in endothelial cells. Tran QK, Ohashi K, Watanabe H. Cardiovasc Res 2000;48(1);13-22. PMID 11033104. Article link.
- Midkine inhibits bradykinin-induced endothelial Ca2+ signaling and nitric oxide production. Tran QK, Watanabe H, Le H-Y, Yang J, Takeuchi K, Kadomatsu K, Muramatsu T, Ohashi K. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000; 276;830-836. PMID 11027555. Article link.
- Involvement of myosin light chain kinase in chloride-sensitive Ca2+ influx in porcine aortic endothelial cells. Tran QK, Watanabe H, Zhang XX, Takahashi R, Ohno R.Cardiovasc Res. 1999;44:623-631. PMID 10690296. Article link.
- Increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in endothelial cells by calmodulin antagonists. Watanabe H, Takahashi R, Tran QK, Takeuchi K, Kosuge K, Satoh H, Uehara A, Terada H, Hayashi H, Ohno R, Ohashi K. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1999;265:697-702. PMID 10600483. Article link.
- Relationship between NaF- and thapsigargin-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in rat mesenteric artery. Fukao M, Hattori H, Sato A, Liu MY, Watanabe H, Tran QK, Kanno M. Brit J Pharmacol. 1999;126:1567-1574. PMID 10323588. Article link.
2018 – Distinguished Scholar Award, Des Moines University
2012 – 2015 – Academic Enhancement Research Award, National Institutes of Health, NHLBI
2012 – President, Iowa Physiological Chapter, American Physiological Society
2012 – Excellence in Scholarship Award, Des Moines University
2001 – International Research Exchange Award, Shizuoka, Japan
1997 – 2001 – Fellow of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of Japan
1996 – 1997 – Fellow of the Asian Youth Fellowship Program, Japanese Government
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