Jhumku D Kohtz

Jhumku D Kohtz is a Research Professor at the Department of Neurology within Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Their work focuses on RNA regulatory mechanisms in development, particularly the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GABAergic interneuron development and gene regulation.

• PhD: Mount Sinai School of Medicine (1990)

Research highlights include the discovery of Evf2 lncRNA's function in regulating transcription factors like Dlx2 and Dlx5/6 through ribonucleoprotein complex formation and chromosomal interactions. Their lab investigates how lncRNAs mediate enhancer-chromosomal interactions across megabase distances, impacting adult hippocampal circuitry and seizure susceptibility.

Recent publications demonstrate Evf2's role in spatial gene organization and stress response mechanisms. Awards include the Kavli Investigator Award and Humbolt Fellowship, with ongoing affiliations to institutions such as the Center for Genetic Medicine and Northwestern University Institute of Neuroscience.

• Humbolt Fellow (2017)
• Kavli Investigator Award (2015)
• Joy Cappel Investigator Award (2014)
• HHMI Young Investigator Award (1999)

Kohtz serves on professional leadership roles such as Councilor for the Chicago Society for Neuroscience and co-organizer for RNA Biology spotlight talks. They are a member of multiple scientific societies including the RNA Society and Society for Neuroscience.