About
Anna M. Kietrys is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, with affiliation to the Center for Nucleic Acids Science and Technology. Her research bridges chemical biology and neurodegeneration, focusing on RNA structure-function relationships in cellular signaling and disease progression.
- Ph.D. in Chemistry/Biochemistry (2013) from Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences
- Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University (2015–2019) in the Kool Laboratory
- Research Associate at Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry (2013–2015)
Kietrys' research explores the dynamic RNA world, particularly circular RNAs (circRNAs) and ultra-small RNAs (usRNAs), to uncover their structural and epitranscriptomic profiles. She develops universal acylating reagents using 2'-OH acylation to study RNA interactomes and proposes RNA-based therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease. Her work combines chemical, biochemical, and bioinformatics tools to decode RNA-mediated signaling in neurodegeneration.
Her recent publications highlight advancements in RNA functionalization, epitranscriptomic mapping, and transcriptome-wide drug interactions. Key trends include reversible RNA acylation for CRISPR control, circRNA structural analysis, and small RNA regulatory roles in aging. Awards include the Kwolek Fellowship and Harrison Legacy Graduate Fellowship.
- Kwolek Fellowship in Chemistry
- Edwin N. Lassettre Graduate Travel Award
- John & Nancy Harrison Legacy Graduate Fellowship
Kietrys teaches multidisciplinary courses in Bioorganic Chemistry and Toxicology, integrating organic chemistry with biological applications. Her lab provides hands-on experience in modern biological methods and emphasizes RNA chemistry for therapeutic innovation.
