Aravind Asokan, Ph.D.
Professor in Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; Director of Gene Therapy
Duke University
Title: Engineering viruses for genomic medicine
Abstract: My lab is focused on building innovative technology platforms for gene therapy and genome editing. Our cross-disciplinary approach utilizes structural biology, molecular engineering and directed evolution to generate synthetic viruses with novel delivery capabilities. In particular, we have made significant contributions towards understanding the biology of Adeno-Associated Viruses (AAV), especially the discovery of host essential and restriction factors that influence tissue tropism and transduction. Using this knowledge, we have evolved new AAV strains with ability to efficiently deliver genes to different organsavade antibodies and for clinical translation. Our vectors are being evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies to treat genetic disorders. The other arm of the lab is focused on engineering RNA tools to regulate gene expression. In particular, we are developing new tools to control mRNA stability and translation such as circular RNAs as well as novel RNA editing platforms. Our overarching goal is to engineer vectors and therapeutic modalities that enable transformative medicines.
Bio: Aravind Asokan, Ph.D., is Professor at Duke University with appointments in the Departments of Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Genetics & Microbiology. His lab has pioneered several innovative viral and RNA based platforms for enabling transformative new medicines in the clinic. Dr. Asokan is the director of the Danaher-Duke Beacon for Gene Therapy Innovation and a Novartis Global Scholar. He serves on the board of the American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy and is a co-founder/advisor at several genomic medicine companies. Dr. Asokan obtained his PhD from UNC Chapel Hill.
