Doug Bittel

Doug Bittel is a Professor at Kansas City University specializing in molecular biology and developmental genetics. His research investigates alternative splicing (AS) of mRNA and the role of small cajal body-associated noncoding RNAs (scaRNAs) in vertebrate development and congenital heart defects. He collaborates with biotech company Likarda on developing stem cell-based therapies for Type 1 diabetes, focusing on biomarker evaluation during cell differentiation for veterinary and eventual human applications.

Research explores how dysregulated scaRNA expression impacts embryonic development in zebrafish and quail models, establishing new paradigms in developmental regulation. His work bridges fundamental RNA processing mechanisms with translational medical applications.