Fnu Rupesh Kumar

I am a dedicated microbiologist with experience in researching protozoan parasites and the highly infectious Mycobacterium tuberculosis within a BSL3 setting. My research methodology encompasses diverse approaches, ranging from employing animal models to utilizing biochemical and microbiological techniques, to delve into pathogenesis mechanisms and improving treatment strategies. Further, my competencies extend to protein purification, characterization, assay development, protein modeling, and in silico drug discovery. I am keen to join the team at Moderna, where my robust background in microbiology of infectious diseases, molecular biology and enzyme assays can be harnessed to drive advancements in scientific knowledge and pave the way for innovative therapeutic solutions

Legal Permanent Resident of the United States of America

1.  Kumar, R., Bahng, S. and Marians, K.J. (2022) The MukB-topoisomerase IV interaction mutually suppresses their catalytic activities. Nucleic acids research, 50, 2621-2634.

2.  Bahng, S., Kumar, R. and Marians, K.J. (2022) Inter- and intra-Subunit interactions driving the MukBEF ATPase. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 298,101964-101979.

3.  Kumar, R., Grosbart, M., Nurse, P., Bahng, S., Wyman, C.L. and Marians, K.J. (2017) The bacterial condensin MukB compacts DNA by sequestering supercoils and stabilizing topologically isolated loops. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 292(41), 16904 –16920.

4.  Kumar, R., Nurse, P., Bahng, S., Lee, C.M. and Marians, K.J. (2017) The MukB-topoisomerase IV interaction is required for proper chromosome compaction. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 292(41), 16921–16932.

5.  Ghosh, S., Padmanabhan, B., Godbole, A.A., Tare, P., Ahmed, W., Vasu, K., China, A., Kumar, R., Mitra, A. and Nagaraja, V. (2016) Transcriptional regulation of topology modulators and transcription regulators of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 475, 257-263.

6.  Chang, E., Pourmal, S., Zhou, C., Kumar, R., Teplova, M., Pavletich, N.P., Marians, K.J. and Erdjument-Bromage, H. (2016) N-Terminal Amino Acid Sequence Determination of Proteins by N-Terminal Dimethyl Labeling: Pitfalls and Advantages When Compared with Edman Degradation Sequence Analysis. Journal of biomolecular techniques: JBT, 27, 61.

7.  Kumar, R., Shankar, M.B. and Nagaraja, V. (2014) Molecular basis for the differential quinolone susceptibility of mycobacterial DNA gyrase. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 58, 2013-2020.

8.  Marathe, S.A., Kumar, R., Ajitkumar, P., Nagaraja, V. and Chakravortty, D. (2012) Curcumin reduces the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin against Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Typhi. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 68, 139-152.

9.  Kumar, R., Riley, J.E., Parry, D., Bates, A.D. and Nagaraja, V. (2012) Binding of two DNA molecules by type II topoisomerases for decatenation. Nucleic acids research, 40, 10904-10915.

Manuscripts in Preparation:

10.  Kumar, R., Bahng, S., and Marians, K.J. On the mechanism of supercoil relaxation by Topoisomerase IV.

11.  Kumar, R. Screening small molecule inhibitors to target MukB condensin complex.

Book Chapter:

12.  Kumar, R., Bahng, S., and Marians, K.J. (2019). Dissecting DNA Compaction by the Bacterial Condensin MukB. In: Badrinarayanan A. (eds) SMC Complexes. Methods in Molecular Biology book series, 2004, 169-180. Humana (Springer), New York, NY.