Darko Bosnakovski

Darko Bosnakovski is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, affiliated with the Pediatric Blood & Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy division and the Lillehei Heart Institute. His research centers on the molecular mechanisms of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and Ewing sarcoma, with a focus on the DUX4 gene, epigenetic regulation, and stem cell models.

His research interests include:

• Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) pathogenesis
• DUX4 gene function and regulation
• Skeletal muscle regeneration and disease
• Mesenchymal and pluripotent stem cell biology
• Epigenetic therapies for cancer and genetic disorders
• Mouse modeling of human disease
• Antifibrotic and gene therapy approaches

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on DUX4-mediated muscle pathology, Ewing sarcoma epigenetics, and stem cell-based disease modeling. He employs cutting-edge techniques including single-cell transcriptomics, targeted degradation, and Notch signaling modulation to explore therapeutic interventions. His work bridges basic molecular biology with translational applications.

His research is supported by competitive grants from:

• NIH (NIAMS)
• U.S. Department of Defense
• Muscular Dystrophy Association
• Friends of FSH Research
• Facioscapulohumeral Society

Bosnakovski leads multiple active projects as Principal Investigator, including studies on p300/CBP inhibition in Ewing sarcoma and antifibrotic therapies for FSHD. He collaborates with prominent researchers such as Michael Kyba, Melissa Gearhart, and Laura Mills. He is actively involved in the FSHD research community, contributing to international congresses and scientific discourse. While student mentorship is not explicitly listed, his role as a PI suggests active training of junior scientists.