Rahul Kohli

Rahul Kohli, M.D., Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry & Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Medicine. His laboratory is located in Johnson Pavilion at 3610 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Kohli's research focuses on DNA modifying enzymes that add complexity to the genome through purposeful mutation and nucleobase modification. His work spans two primary areas: (1) enzymatic deamination, oxidation and methylation of cytosine bases with emphasis on AID/APOBEC DNA deaminases and TET oxygenases; and (2) targeting pathogen pathways that promote evolution and antibiotic resistance, particularly the LexA/RecA axis governing the bacterial SOS response. His lab employs biochemical characterization of enzyme mechanisms, chemical synthesis of enzyme probes, and biological assays spanning bacteriology, immunology, and virology.

Analysis of Dr. Kohli's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on developing novel epigenetic sequencing technologies, understanding TET enzyme mechanisms in cancer and development, engineering hyperactive DNA modifying enzymes for genome editing applications, and targeting bacterial stress responses to combat antibiotic resistance. His work bridges chemical biology, epigenetics, and infectious disease research.

Scientific Awards:

• Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry (2017)

Dr. Kohli mentors a robust research team with 15 lab members including graduate students and undergraduate researchers. His work has been supported by multiple grants focused on DNA modification enzymes and their applications in epigenetics and antimicrobial resistance. His research has significant implications for cancer therapy, genome editing technologies, and novel antibiotic development strategies.

The Kohli laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines, particularly in immunology and cancer research, as evidenced by publications related to CAR-T cell therapy where TET2 disruption enhances therapeutic efficacy.