Karthik Subramanian Chandrasekaran

Engineered novel non-viral DNA delivery platforms for gene therapy using CRISPR-based genome editing in cell line models

Development of novel gene delivery modalities utilising cutting-edge gene editing technologies to achieve human disease therapy

Management of multiple research projects involving investigating cardiovascular development and establishing disease models using zebrafish; collaborative research with mathematicians; teaching and mentorship

Handling of several research projects involving functional studies of in vitro synthesised, chemoenzymatically modified and bioorthogonally labelled RNAs using cell line and in vivo models; collaborative research with in vivo biologists and biophysicists; teaching and mentorship; grant writing and successful peer-reviewed publications

Training in and management of diverse research projects spanning drug screening, cancer biomarker discovery and oncotherapy using cell line, primary cell and ex vivo models; establishment, standardisation and optimisation of cell biology/molecular biology/biochemical protocols; teaching; grant writing and several successful peer-reviewed publications, including doctoral thesis

Screened the genomes and transcripts of human cervical cancer cell lines for mutations in the TGF-β pathway intermediate, SMAD3

• Thesis: A study on the high mobility group proteins and their regulation by miRNAs in human cervical and colorectal cancers • Assessed the expression of candidate High Mobility Group protein-coding genes and miRNAs in human normal and cancer tissue samples • Extensively used cell culture gene reporter and in vitro functional assays • Performed a wide array of cell, molecular and micro biological techniques • Handled projects with a variety of goals including screening and validation of miRNA-target gene pairs, small molecule inhibitors and cell signalling intermediates in cancer progression • Aided junior colleagues in learning laboratory techniques, troubleshooting and experimental designing • Teaching: 1. Assisted mentor by preparing material for 3-credit courses and National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) courses 2. Guided several undergraduate students, short-term fellows and summer fellows through their project works

Dissertation - Screening for CAT interruptions within the CAG tract in the Spinocerebellar Ataxia type I gene by PCR-RFLP based methods – a familial study, excellence in cross-disciplinary courses including fluorescence spectroscopy and crystallography