Brett kaufman, phd
principal investigator
Background: Honors BS in Biochemistry, Indiana University - Bloomington, 1995, Ph.D.
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 2003
Course in Cell Physiology, Marine Biological Laboratory, 1996
Postdoc, McGill University, 2008
Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania, 2009-2014
Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 2015-2020
Associate Professor of Medicine with Tenure, 2020
Research Interests: Dr. Kaufman's long-standing research interest is to understand the contribution of mtDNA metabolism to disease progression. For 20 years he has been uncovering the fundamental processes that underlie mitochondrial respiratory deficiency with a focus on mtDNA stability and copy number control – processes essential for respiratory function and viability. Dr. Kaufman's major research goals are 1) to define the biochemical events responsible for the maintenance of mtDNA content, 2) to understand mechanisms of mtDNA damage and resistance to damage in the context of disease, including cell-free mtDNA signaling, and 3) therapeutic approaches to mtDNA mutation and instability. Multiple organ systems are involved, giving a lot of flexibility to models and diseases of interest. Outside of his primary research goals, Brett focuses on providing a strong mentoring environment that highlights individual’s development and identification of strengths. He also collaborates extensively to help diverse research projects understand whether mtDNA-related defects are association with disease.
Personal Interests: Outside of lab, Brett enjoys time with his kids, soccer coaching, electronics and home automation, 3D-printing, and VR.
Contact: bkauf@pitt.edu 412-383-6031
Annette wilson, phd
senior scientist
Background: BS Chemistry, Gannon University, Erie PA
MS Toxicology (Forensic), Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA
PhD Toxicology (Inhalation), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA; Advisor: Yves Alarie, PhD
Postdoc, Graduate School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA; Advisors: Bruce Pitt, PhD/Song Li, MD, PhD
Annette’s previous research includes: Development of lipidic and polymeric anti-viral vectors for the in vitro and in vivo targeted delivery of small molecules to pulmonary vasculature both for potential therapeutics and study of mechanisms of disease at the University of Pittsburgh (Pharmaceutical Sciences and Environmental & Occupational Health).
Development of in vitro and in vivo models to study mechanisms of the inflammatory processes in IBD and acute pancreatitis at the University of Pittsburgh (Gastroenterology).
Clinical and gnotobiotic mouse studies to elucidate the relationship of the targeted (short chain fatty acids and bile acids) and global metabolome and gut microbiome with colon cancer risk and how the diet influences colon cancer risk at the University of Pittsburgh (Gastroenterology).
Annette joined the Kaufman Lab in 2022.
Research Interests: Annette’s current research project is studying the effect of psychological stress on plasma and serum cell free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) using a high throughput platform for the extraction and analysis of the DNA collected from heathy normal human volunteers. The plasma and serum DNA will also be isolated by sequential centrifugation to determine if the stress-induced cf-mtDNA may be found in different cellular components. In addition, Annette continues to be interested in small molecule delivery using different vectors and targeted delivery to specific cells.
Personal Interests: Gardening, photography, astronomy, nutrition and microbiome, hiking, biking, spending time with family.
Contact: aswilson@pitt.edu
Cody Rutledge, MD, Phd
Research assistant professor
Background: Cody completed his undergraduate training at Case Western Reserve University, where his research focused on metabolic changes in heart failure. He later completed his MD and PhD in the University of Illinois-Chicago's Medical Scientist Training Program, where he researched gap junction changes and arrhythmia prevention following ischemic heart disease. He moved to Pittsburgh in 2016 and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at UPMC. Cody joined the Kaufman Lab in 2019 as a Post-Doctoral Scholar and has now continued his career in the lab as a Research Assistant Professor. Cody has been awarded T32, F32, and K awards.
Research Interests: Metabolic changes in ischemic heart disease, mitochondrial targeted therapies, and translational medicine. Cody's goal is to become an independent physician-scientist working to bring pre-clinical mitochondrial therapies to patient care.
Personal Interests: Cooking, playing with his dog, home-renovation, and rooting for the future Superbowl champion Cleveland Browns.
Contact: rutledca@pitt.edu
Sam KAVOOSI, phd
PostdocToral Researcher
Background: He earned his B.S. in Chemistry (2016) from Florida International University, where he worked in Dr. Stanislaw Wnuk’s lab for the development of medicinal nucleoside analogs. Following that, he then completed his PhD (2022) work in Dr. Kabirul Islam’s lab at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on 5-methylcytosine based epigenetics. He then joined the Kaufman lab (2022) as a post-doctoral scholar.
Research Interests: He has a continued interest in nucleoside research, where he has extensive experience in synthesizing nucleoside analogs. The modified nucleosides have been applied as tools to probe DNA interacting proteins. As part of the Kaufman lab, he is studying the dynamics of G-quadruplexes in the mitochondrial genome using ChIP-seq, qPCR, and microscopy.
Personal Interests: He loves to delve into film, music and gaming, spending time with friends and family, exploring Pittsburgh’s music and entertainment scene, part-time improviser, loves the outdoors, and is learning to be a better cook.
Contact: sak226@pitt.edu
Kevin redding
senior laboratory manager
Background: Tulane University (BS Cell and Molecular Biology) and Thomas Jefferson University (MS Microbiology)
Kevin’s previous research includes:
Chemotaxis and G-protein coupled receptor signaling mechanisms for helminth infections at an immunoparasitology lab at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia
Role of intracrine angiotensin and receptors involved in hypertension in the molecular genetics department at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans.
Taste receptor signaling and their involvement in sensing infections at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia.
Opioids and the role of growth factor receptors in the formation of tolerance at University of Pittsburgh.
Research Interests: The role of PIF1 in hemostasis and its localization to the nucleus/mitochondria; and targeting G4-quadruplexes and alter heteroplasmy in mitochondrial DNA.
Personal Interests: Music, film, gardening, spending time with my family, and cooking/dining.
Contact: Kmr145@pitt.edu
Meghan Johnson
Research Assistant
Background:
University of Pittsburgh B.S Neuroscience 2018-2022 with Departmental Honors
Minor in Chemistry 2018-2022
Previously, Meghan has worked with the Kaplan lab to investigate the effect of mutations in the RBP1 subunit of RNA Polymerase II on the transcription process.
Meghan has been a member of the Kaufman Lab since 2020, where she has worked on developing an antibody-based treatment for Leigh Syndrome, investigation of the pathogenic capabilities of TFAM variants, and outlining the effects of space radiation on MitoPathways and the possible rescue effects of antagomirs.
Meghan also works closely with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to raise awareness for CF and build a community in Western Pennsylvania. Meghan is currently an ambassador for the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the CFF.
Research Interests: In the lab, Meghan is working on protein purification techniques and analyzing mutants in the TFAM gene for possible disease phenotypes. Additionally, Meghan is also interested in the generation of possible antibody treatments for mutations causing Leigh Syndrome.
Personal Interests: Meghan is a member of the Hustl Hrdr Bodybuilding team and looks to compete in 2023. Additionally, Meghan enjoys traveling to national parks, reading, biking, and hiking.
Contact: mlj70@pitt.edu
ANGELA ENRIQUEZ
research assistant
Background: University of Pittsburgh B.S Biological Sciences 2018-2022
Minor- Chemistry
Research Interests: Under guidance of principal investigator Cody Rutledge, Angela works on mitochondria protein import on TFAM overexpressor models and TFAM overexpression protecing against stunning and improving mortality in a mouse model of cardiac arrest. Additionally, Angela is also interested in studying cardiomyocyte regeneration and metabolism in cardiovascular disease.
Personal Interests: Reading, visiting museums, roller skating, and exploring Pittsburgh!
Contact: ame149@pitt.edu
YuGMA PATEL
undergraduate student
Background :University of Pittsburgh B.S. Bioengineering 2021-Present
Minor- Chemistry
This is my first experience with working in a lab and doing research. I was introduced to basic lab skills, such as gel electrophoresis and PCR, as a part of my AP Biology class in high school which ignited my interest in lab work.
Research Interests : I am fascinated by gene therapy and therapeutic medicine, as well as the role of mitochondrial DNA in genetic disorders. In the lab, I am working under the guidance of Lily Farmerie to study the use of nucleoporation for cellular and mitochondrial uptake of peptide nucleic acids (PNA) as a method for targeting mitochondrial DNA.
Personal Interests : cooking, drawing, reading, and going on walks and hikes outdoors
Contact: ysp5@pitt.edu
J
Lily Farmerie
Graduate Student Researcher
Background:
Penn State University B.S. Biomedical Engineering 2017-2021
Minor-Engineering Leadership & Development 2017-2021
Throughout her undergraduate degree, Lily worked as a research assistant in Dr. Yang's transformative biomaterials and biotechnology tissue engineering laboratory. The main focus of her research was studying the degradation of citrate-based biopolymers for bioimplants. The data gathered from her degradation studies assisted in the design of biopolymer neural catheters. Aside from research, Lily interned at Biomagnetic Solutions to learn about magnetic cell separation techniques and their relevance to gene therapy. As an intern, her main goal was to design a device to automate the process. Lily created a device using CAD and 3D printing. Lily also interned at Merck where she authored a critical review on the recent advances in isoelectric focusing of proteins and peptides published in the Journal of Chromatography A.
Lily joined the Kaufman lab in the fall of 2021 as a graduate student researcher at the University of Pittsburgh.
Research Interests: Lily has several research interests such as biomaterials, women's health, cancer, and gene therapy development. Her current research is centered around the mechanisms and involvement of mitochondrial DNA in human disorders. Under the guidance of principal investigator Brett Kaufman, she plans to study peptide nucleic acids (PNA) as a method for targeting mitochondrial DNA. Her long-term goal is to leverage modified PNAs to modulate mitochondrial nucleic acid biology.
Personal Interests: baking, being outside, and playing with her cat
Contact: lif52@pitt.edu
SRUTHI RAMASWAMY
undergraduate student
Background : University of Pittsburgh B.S Biological Sciences : 2021 - present
Minors - Chemistry and Sociology
Research interests : Sruthi is interested in targeted therapy in oncology, mutations in mtDNA that can cause cancer, and mtDNA- associated disorders.
Personal interests : Reading, playing table tennis, spending time with friends and family, hiking
Contact : srr88@pitt.edu
JULIA GESELL
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
Background: University of Pittsburgh B.S Bioengineering 2020 - Present
Minor - Chemistry
Research Interests: Interested in DNA/mtDNA disorders, gene therapy, drug delivery
Personal Interests: Cooking/baking, reading, swimming
Contact: jrg148@pitt.edu