معرفی
Dr Theo Kantidakis is a Senior Lecturer at Aston Medical School, where he leads research within the Translational Medicine Research Group (TMRG) and is affiliated with the Aston Research Centre for Health in Ageing. He joined Aston Medical School in 2018 following significant postdoctoral positions at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research and Cancer Research UK's London Research Institute (now Francis Crick Institute).
Dr Kantidakis' educational background is extensive:
- PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Glasgow (2008)
- MRes in Molecular Functions in Disease from the University of Glasgow (2004)
- MSc in Molecular Genetics from the University of Leicester (2003)
- BSc (Hons) in Biology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2002)
- Certificate in Professional Studies Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from the University of Liverpool (2018)
His research program focuses on the intersection of transcription regulation, chromatin biology, and genome stability. Key areas include:
- Transcriptional regulation of non-coding RNAs by RNA polymerases I and III
- Transcriptional regulation of coding and non-coding RNAs by RNA polymerase II
- The role of mutations in chromatin modifiers (particularly KMT2D, KMT2C, and JMJD6) on transcription, DNA damage, and genomic instability
- The effects of GTP depletion on gene expression, DNA damage, and repair
- The molecular and cellular consequences of Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1) depletion
His publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory from fundamental transcription mechanisms to disease-relevant applications, particularly in cancer biology. His most impactful work has elucidated how mutations in histone modifiers lead to transcription stress and genome instability, providing mechanistic explanations for their roles as cancer drivers. His research combines cutting-edge genome-wide techniques with detailed molecular analyses.
Dr Kantidakis has received significant recognition including a prestigious Wellcome Trust PhD scholarship and holds Fellowship status with the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
He is actively involved in student mentorship, currently accepting PhD students for multiple research projects including self-funded opportunities and a competitive fully funded position through the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP). His teaching responsibilities include serving as Module Lead for MS1000 - Cell Biology and Genetics and teaching in MS1000 - Pathological Processes.
Within the Translational Medicine Research Group at Aston Medical School, Dr Kantidakis leads research efforts focused on translating basic discoveries in transcription and chromatin biology into potential clinical applications, particularly for conditions involving genomic instability.
