Dwiantari Satyapertiwi

My DPhil project focuses on the investigation of novel gene therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF) using lentiviral vectors. CF is a disease caused by genetic mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane-conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. The CFTR protein functions as the channel for transporting chloride ions into cell secretions, i.e. mucus, drawing water molecules and thinning out the mucus to then be cleared by the body. In CF, the protein is dysfunctional resulting in thick and sticky secretions causing multiple complications, but particularly leading to loss of lung function. If the CF mutation can be corrected using gene editing with a single efficient dose of gene therapy, this could remove the need for lifelong treatment for these patients.

Before joining the Gene Medicine Group, I obtained my MRes degree in Bioengineering from Imperial College London and my bachelor degree (B.Eng equivalent) in Chemical Engineering from University of Indonesia.