Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · BiologyLab of Non-Canonical DNA Structures
Kateryna Makova · University Park, Pennsylvania
Research Focus
The Makova Lab focuses on studying how unique DNA structures, which differ from the standard double helix, influence genome evolution and function. By examining these non-canonical DNA forms, the lab aims to uncover their roles in genetic variation, disease, and genome architecture. The research combines experimental techniques with computational analysis to deepen our understanding of human genetics and contribute to advancements in personalized medicine.
genome evolutionnon-B DNADNA structuresmutation hotspotspersonalized medicinegenetic variationcomputational biologyneurodegenerative diseaseschromosomal rearrangements
Research Aims
5AIM 01Explore how non-canonical DNA structures influence genome evolution.
AIM 02Investigate the effect of non-B DNA on replication processes in living cells.
AIM 03Identify mutation hotspots related to non-canonical DNA forms in germline cells.
AIM 04Examine the evolutionary selection acting on non-B DNA motifs.
AIM 05Assess the role of non-B DNA structures in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
Skills the Lab Values
DNA extractionPCRgel electrophoresiscell culturehigh-throughput sequencingbioinformaticsRNA sequencingdata analysismolecular cloning
Output against the department
Publications176top 38% of dept.386th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations16ktop 24% of dept.250th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.