Lab Members

Kunal Rai, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Professor

I am curious about how biological systems work and how we can manipulate them for the betterment of human health. I became fascinated with epigenetic regulation during the early years of my Ph.D., and I have since been interested in deciphering the logic behind epigenome organization during development and oncogenesis. While understanding basic mechanisms satisfies my curiosity, I am equally committed to developing efficacious therapies for cancers and other diseases. This ambition has led me to develop and lead an epigenetics-focused translational oncology initiative named the UT MD Anderson Epigenomics Therapy Initiative (METI). Beyond work, I enjoy spending time with my kids and watching/playing cricket and tennis.

Biji Chatterjee, B.S., M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
B.S., University of Kerala, India
M.S., M.Phil., Ph.D., Central University of Kerala, India

My research focuses on investigating the epigenetic regulations of RNA exosome and RNA rixosome complexes in PRC2-dependent MPNST cancer, which is incredibly important for understanding the underlying mechanisms of this type of cancer and potentially identifying novel therapeutic targets. The involvement of RNA surveillance mechanisms in cancer, particularly in the context of PRC2-dependent MPNST, suggests a multifaceted approach to understanding disease progression and potential interventions.

Yingda (Wayne) Jiang, B.S.
Graduate Research Assistant
B.S., Chinese University of Hong Kong

I study the roles of Kmt2d in multiple tumor types and use a multi-omics approach to understand tumor evolution using genetically engineered mouse models. I also create novel mouse models for lung cancer.

Uttara Saran, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Ph.D., University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia

My research focuses on the epigenetic regulation of cancer, with an emphasis on preclinical development and validation of small molecule and PROTAC-based degrader molecules for their eventual translation to the clinic. My work spans multiple cancer types and mechanistic programs, with emphasis on YAP1, NRF2, and KRAS-mutant driven cancers. Alongside my research, I also provide scientific program leadership for the lab, with oversight of its grant portfolio, financial planning, and regulatory compliance across federal and industry-sponsored mechanisms, and I coordinate scientific strategy across collaborating investigators.

Suresh Satpati, M.S., Ph.D.
Computational Research Scientist
M.S., Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management University, India
Ph.D. Institute of Life Sciences, India

My current research work integrates multi-omics, spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR functional genomics, and AI-driven computational approaches to uncover mechanisms of cancer progression, epigenetic regulation of T cell function, and the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment to advance personalized immunotherapies and improve cancer treatment.

Anand Singh, M.S., Ph.D.
Research Scientist
M.S., Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Ph.D., National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India

In the Rai Lab, I've developed and conducted CRISPRi screens to investigate the role of noncoding elements, such as enhancers, in driving immune cell exhaustion, specifically CD8+ T cells and NK cells. I have validated their effectiveness in melanoma TILs and endogenous T cells and NK cells in AML. Currently, my focus is on exploring the mechanisms behind the retro-transformation of dysfunctional T cells into a functional state. I am employing cutting-edge NGS, proteomic and cell biology techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of this process. The ultimate goal is to contribute to our knowledge of immune cell function and potential therapeutic interventions.

Bishal Singh, Dr. rer. nat., Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Dr. rer. Nat., Ph.D., University of Heidelberg in Germany

My research focuses on unraveling the biochemical functions of epigenetic drivers of cancer progression at the subatomic scale. I utilize structural biology techniques such as x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, alongside relevant biochemistry methods. Specifically, I aim to determine the high-resolution structures of key cancer-causing epigenomic regulators and their interacting partners, with the longer-term goal of developing PROTAC-based degrader molecules. This research not only enhances our understanding of cancer biology but also paves the way for licensing small molecules to pharmaceutical companies, thereby accelerating the clinical and commercial translation of our findings.

Jiah Yang, M.S., Ph.D. candidate
Graduate Research Assistant
M.S., UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Ph.D. Candidate in Genetics and Epigenetics

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Genetic and Epigenetics program at the UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. My research focuses on two primary areas of interest: (1) The targeted modulation of histone remodelers to elucidate epigenomic alterations, particularly aiming to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint therapy in melanoma; and (2) The exploration of epigenomic interplay between tumor cells and their neighboring microenvironment, with a specific focus on establishing an anti-tumorigenic milieu.

Elsayed (Sayed) Zaabout, B.S., M.S.
Graduate Research Assistant
B.S., Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
M.S., Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Türkiye
Ph.D. Student in Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

My doctoral research in the Rai Laboratory centers on INTERCEPT, a translational platform for in vivo immune-cell engineering through epigenetic editing. I develop compact CRISPR-based effectors for precise, programmable activation or repression of genes governing CD8+ T-cell dysfunction and exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment, without cutting DNA or permanently altering its sequence. My work combines molecular cloning, guide RNA design, viral delivery, quantitative molecular assays, and primary human T-cell models to validate promising guide-effector systems for functional testing and next-generation delivery.  Before beginning my Ph.D., I worked at Baylor College of Medicine, where I helped develop genetically encoded voltage indicators and optogenetic silencers for recording and controlling neural activity. Drawing on this multidisciplinary background in molecular biology, protein engineering, neuroscience, and cancer biology, my long-term goal is to create clinically translatable epigenetic and synthetic biology platforms for precise immune-cell reprogramming in cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Zhao Zheng
Graduate Research Assistant

I mainly work on single cell RNA and ATAC analysis from different tumor samples with statistical backgrounds. Presently, I am working on analyzing KMT2D mutations within melanoma mouse models, as well as starting to delve into patients’ clinical data about leiomyosarcoma. I look forward to further training from the METI group and discovering more inspirations by combining biostatistics and bioinformatics towards advancing cancer therapeutics.