My research aims to develop novel solutions for health and sustainability by leveraging synthetic biology and microbial engineering. Within this scope, I apply cutting-edge approaches to design and engineer microbial systems with new-to-nature functions, with the broader goal of addressing real-world challenges.
My research focuses on applying bioinformatics and genome sequencing technologies to understand the genetic basis of human disease. I am particularly interested in structural variation, rare genetic disorders, and the development of computational approaches for genomic diagnostics. My work combines large-scale genomic data analysis, clinical genomics, and emerging artificial intelligence methods to improve variant detection and interpretation.
Our research focuses on uncovering the molecular underpinnings of cancer biology and advancing precision therapeutics through integrative strategies combining oncology, chemical biology, and rational drug design. Our primary mission is to develop and characterize highly selective, potent, and metabolically stable small-molecule inhibitors targeting oncogenic signaling pathways.
Majority of cancer related deaths occur due to metastasis. However, current regimens of anti-cancer drugs do not have anti-metastatic/anti-invasion drugs. Gain of motility through EMT is the common feature of invading cancer cells and actomyosin based contractility is one of the common denominators underlying motility. Actomyosin cortex provides the link between membrane plasticity and cellular contractility.
Research
The Kotil Lab is dedicated to exploring the realms of both experimental and theoretical biology. Our research delves into critical issues such as antibiotic resistance, microbial diversity, and epidemiology. To achieve a comprehensive understanding, we employ a blend of molecular biology techniques alongside mathematical methodologies. Our interdisciplinary approach is aimed at enhancing our insights into these complex biological phenomena.
At the Kurt Lab, we focus on the next generation of genome editing technologies through a comprehensive, end-to-end approach that bridges computational biology and experimental science. We aim to discover and engineer novel CRISPR proteins to develop efficient and precise genome editing tools with desirable features. Our research has two arms:
The long term goal of our research is to understand the biology of SUMO proteins, to dissect their functions in health and pathology, and to explore their potential for targeted therapies.
Plants as sessile organisms have evolved strategies to tolerate and survive periodic episodes of environmental stress, such as extremes of temperature and drought. Natural selection drove the development of both adaptive behaviour and environmental sensing mechanisms that help plants tolerate or avoid such conditions. An example of the latter is the cessation of growth following induction of bud dormancy seen in many plants during the winter season.
Our research focuses on the investigation of mitochondrial involvement in stress signaling. We study different signals emanating from mitochondria and systematically dissect the molecular pathways those signals activate that may be exploited in the context of aging, age-related diseases and mitochondrial fitness.
