Projects per year
Personal profile
Biography
Associate Professor Kumaran has a distinguished research career focused on advancing gene delivery and expression systems in mammalian cells. His work has pioneered several innovative approaches that leverage natural microbial mechanisms. In the 1990s, his team adapted the homologous recombination mechanism in E. coli, overcoming significant challenges in the genetic manipulation of large DNA fragments. Additionally, he engineered harmless E. coli strains capable of invading mammalian cells to facilitate the delivery and expression of human genes. More recently, his group has developed artificial chromosomes designed to enable long-term expression and stable maintenance of human genes. These advancements aim to address human genetic diseases through improved gene delivery techniques and have resulted in several patents. His current research is focused on Fabry disease, specifically investigating the disease's oxidative stress mechanisms and mitochondrial involvement.
Research interests
Understanding Cellular Dysfunction and Developing Targeted Therapies in Fabry Disease
Our research explores the molecular mechanisms of cellular dysfunction in Fabry disease and develops targeted therapies to slow its progression. Caused by GLA gene mutations, Fabry disease leads to Gb3 accumulation, triggering oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, which drive organ damage in the kidneys, heart, and vasculature. Beyond genetic correction, we investigate these pathological pathways to identify therapeutic targets and explore pharmacological interventions, including antioxidants, autophagy modulators, and small-molecule therapeutics, to reduce Gb3 accumulation and restore cellular homeostasis. By integrating molecular insights with targeted therapies, we seek to expand treatment options beyond enzyme replacement therapy to ultimately improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Optimizing E. coli as a Vector for Efficient Gene Delivery into Mammalian Cells
Our research has optimized a non-pathogenic E. coli strain to deliver large, chromosome-sized genes into mammalian cells. We are exploring the mechanisms by which E. coli enters and transfers genes into mammalian cells, with the goal of enhancing the efficiency of this vector for gene delivery applications.
Artificial Chromosome Research
The development of improved vectors for long-term retention and accurate expression of transgenes is essential for advancing gene delivery technologies. Our research focuses on creating artificial chromosomes that can exist as stable, independent structures, enabling prolonged gene expression in cells for research and potential therapeutic applications.
Monash teaching commitment
- BTH1802 (Fundamentals of biotechnology)
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Education/Academic qualification
Genetics, PhD, University of Melbourne
Research area keywords
- genetics
- Gene expression
- Fabry disease
- E. coli
- Rare disease
- Chromosomes
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 7 Finished
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Genomics and transcriptomics study on heat stress response of weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Beng Kah, S., Rahman, S., Narayanan, K. & Dilipkumar, M.
1/11/20 → 30/04/24
Project: Research
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A novel strategy to characterize virulence factors and develop DNAzymes as antivirulence agents using the Shigella-Caenorhabditis elegans infection model.
Hock Siew, T., Mohamad, S. B., Narayanan, K., Yeong, K. Y. & Ayub, Q.
1/11/20 → 30/04/24
Project: Research
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Fabry disease: Understanding the requirements for genetic complementation of the defect by modifying alpha-galactosidase A and globotriaosylceramide levels
Narayanan, K., Naidu, R. & Joon Ching, J.
1/09/19 → 30/11/23
Project: Research
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Farmer-friendly and cost-effective handheld vaccine and growth supplements beads delivery system for poultry industry
Janarthanan, P., Pasbakhsh, P., Narayanan, K., Paramasivam, R., Dhinakar-Raj, G. & Langford, S.
1/08/19 → 30/10/22
Project: Research
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Experimental and Computational Approach to Reveal the Fundamental Insights into Mechanisms of Cytotoxity for Cobra Cytotoxins.
Yap, M., Mohamad, S. B. & Narayanan, K.
1/01/19 → 30/09/22
Project: Research
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Customizable BAC-based DNA markers for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis
Wong, Y. C., Ng, A. W. R., Osahor, A. & Narayanan, K., Oct 2024, In: Analytical Biochemistry. 693, 4 p., 115596.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access1 Citation (Scopus) -
Identification of dual active sites in Caenorhabditis elegans GANA-1 protein: an ortholog of the human α-GAL a and α-NAGA enzymes
Cheong, C. S. Y., Khan, S. U., Ahmed, N. & Narayanan, K., 2023, In: Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics. 41, 11, p. 5261-5276 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
2 Citations (Scopus) -
Multigenic prognosis assessment model for nasopharyngeal carcinoma via a modified meta-analysis approach
Sim, C. C., Ui-Hang Sim, E., Lee, C. W. & Narayanan, K., 1 Jul 2023, In: Oncologie. 25, 4, p. 355-365 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Citations (Scopus) -
Phage N15-Based Vectors for Gene Cloning and Expression in Bacteria and Mammalian Cells
Wong, Y. C., Ng, A. W. R., Chen, Q., Liew, P. S., Lee, C. W., Sim, E. U. H. & Narayanan, K., 6 Apr 2023, In: ACS Synthetic Biology. 12, 4, p. 909-921 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review Article › Research › peer-review
2 Citations (Scopus) -
Viral dynamics in tropical coastal waters: effects of warming and nutrient enrichment
Chai, S. C. Y., Lee, C. W., Lim, J. H., Bong, C. W., Sim, E. U. H., Narayanan, K. & Wang, A. J., 2023, In: Marine and Freshwater Research. 74, 6, p. 522-534 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
1 Citation (Scopus)
Prizes
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Nucleic Acid Marker kit for the formation of customizable nucleic acid markers
Narayanan, Kumaran (Recipient), 18 Dec 2022
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)