Fedor Kouzine

Fedor Kouzine, Ph.D., serves as a Staff Scientist in the Laboratory of Pathology at the Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Affiliated with the NCI since 2001, he advanced from Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow to his current role in 2009 under Senior Investigator David L. Levens.

His research program centers on the mechanical forces governing genome function. Key interests include:

• Epigenetics and nuclear architecture dynamics
• DNA topology and topoisomerase activity
• Transcription-coupled supercoiling mechanisms
• Non-B DNA structure formation and regulatory roles

This work reveals how transcription-generated torque creates dynamic DNA structural changes that feedback to control gene expression, with direct relevance to cancer biology. His interdisciplinary approach bridges physics, biophysics, and molecular biology to uncover fundamental genome regulatory principles.

Analysis of his publications shows consistent focus on genome-wide mapping of DNA structural dynamics using innovative techniques like permanganate/S1 nuclease footprinting. His research spans genomics, molecular biophysics, and epigenetics, emphasizing the physical basis of gene regulation rather than disease-specific pathways.

Supported by NIH intramural funding as a Staff Scientist, Dr. Kouzine has co-authored over 20 publications including high-impact papers in Cell and Nature journals. His position indicates stable research support for investigating mechanical forces in genetic processes without reliance on external grants.

As part of the Gene Regulation Section within the Laboratory of Pathology, he contributes to a collaborative NIH research environment focused on understanding the physical mechanisms underlying genome organization and function.