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.

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.

• BTH1802 (Fundamentals of biotechnology)