Wikipedia

Draft:Mark Kotter

Mark Kotter
Born
Mark Reinhard Kotter

(1971-02-14) February 14, 1971 (age 53)
Calgary, Canada
NationalityAustrian, Canadian
Alma materUniversity of Graz, University of Cambridge
Known forcell programming, degenerative cervical myelopathy
Scientific career
FieldsBiology, Neurosciences, Medicine
InstitutionsUniversity of Cambridge, bit.bio, clock.bio, Myelopathy.org, Meatable
Thesis Macrophages and CNS Remyelination
Doctoral advisorRobin Franklin
Websitehttps://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/people/affiliates/kotter

Mark Kotter (born February 14, 1971) is a neurosurgeon, biologist, and entrepreneur.

Kotter made seminal contributions to the importance of macrophages for brain regeneration,[1] His work on cell programming includes the development of opti-ox (optimized inducible overexpression).[2][3] It has become the scientific basis of bit.bio, and Meatable, which he co-founded. Kotter's scientific contributions to the field of Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) range from the diagnosis to the aetiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of DCM.[4]

Kotter is the founder and CEO of cell coding company bit.bio,[5] which is devoted to "democratising human cells"[6] and cell therapy. Additionally, he co-founded Meatable, a company focused on cultured meat production, and is the scientific founder of Clock.bio, a rejuvenation company. He also co-founded Myelopathy.org, a charity supporting individuals with Degenerative cervical myelopathy.[7]

Early life and education

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Kotter was born in Canada and raised in Austria, Germany, and Australia.[8] He studied medicine in Graz and earned a PhD in stem cell biology from the University of Cambridge. He completed postgraduate medical training in Berlin and Vienna and later led a research group at the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine. In 2009, he returned to Cambridge to complete his neurosurgery residency and joined the Stem Cell Institute as a principal investigator. Following sub-specialist training in complex spinal neurosurgery at the University of Toronto with Michael Fehlings, he established his neurosurgery practice and research laboratory at the University of Cambridge's Department of Clinical Neurosciences.[9]

Research

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Kotter was among the first to recognise the role of macrophages in brain regeneration, a discovery that spurred the first regenerative medicine trial for Degenerative cervical myelopathy.[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]

Over the past decade, he has developed opti-ox,[18] a gene targeting approach that enables the faithful execution of genetic information in cells. His discoveries refute the theory that stochastically determined permissive states are required for cellular reprogramming[19] and have opened up the possibility of producing any human cell, within days, at purities approaching 100%.[20] Inspired by Marius Wernig[21]'s[21] and Thomas Südhof's work, he focussed on applying a synthetic biology [22] approach and developed a protocol for reprogramming pluripotent stem cells into oligodendrocytes.[23] In 2012, he succeeded in creating a batch of oligodendrocytes. He and his colleagues ultimately found a way to circumvent the gene silencing, by introducing the genetic instructions into "safe harbors" in the genome.[18] Their patented technique is known as opti-ox,[2] which stands for "optimised inducible over-expression[24]".

bit.bio

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In 2016, Kotter founded it as Elpis Biomed, the company's name later changed to bit.bio to give a clearer indication of its function in cell coding: "bit" refers to the smallest building block in coding, while "bio" refers to the live cells that are being reprogrammed.[25] bit.bio leverages the opti-ox technology to program human cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).[26][27]The company aims to transition biology into engineering[28], addressing significant medical needs.[29] Notable board members include Hermann Hauser and Sir Gregory Winter, with Dr. Roger Pedersen[30] serving as the chief scientific advisor. In 2023, bit.bio partnered with BlueRock Therapeutics,[31] a Bayer subsidiary, to develop regulatory T cell therapies.

Myelopathy.org

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In 2015, Kotter co-founded Myelopathy.org[7] with neurosurgeon Ben Davies[32] and patient Iwan Sadler.[33] The charity is dedicated to supporting individuals with Degenerative cervical myelopathy[10] by enhancing patient advocacy and clinical practices. Myelopathy.org received the Points of Light Award from the British Prime Minister in February 2020.[34] Dr. Kotter is also a member of the AOSpine Knowledge Forum Spinal Cord Injury[35] and leads several international initiatives, including the RECODE-DCM project.[36]

Meatable

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In 2018, Kotter co-founded Meatable with Krijn de Nood[37] and Daan Luining.[38] The company develops cultured meat using porcine and bovine pluripotent stem cells, addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional agriculture.

Clock.bio

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Kotter launched clock.bio[39] in 2023, a rejuvenation company[40] that aims to extend and improve quality of life by reversing the harmful effects of time in our cells, harnessing the regenerative capabilities of human pluripotent stem cells. The company is founded on the insight that hiPSCs can be force-aged to display the hallmarks of ageing.[41] This triggers self-rejuvenation mechanisms which can be interrogated for the identification of gene candidates that are causally relevant for cell rejuvenation. Comprehensive genome-wide CRISPR screens result in a comprehensive 'atlas of rejuvenation genes'.[41]

Awards

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  • 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards: Equity-Backed Entrepreneur of the Year and Purpose Entrepreneur of the Year – East of England[42]
  • 2022 European Mediscience Awards, Emerging Star[43]
  • 2022 EY East of England  Entrepreneur of the Year[44]
  • 2022 bit.bio Biotech of the year and CEO of the Year awards at Cambridge Independent Awards[45]

References

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  1. ^ Kotter, Mark R.; Setzu, Anna; Sim, Fraser J.; Van Rooijen, Nico; Franklin, Robin J.M. (2001). "Macrophage depletion impairs oligodendrocyte remyelination following lysolecithin-induced demyelination". Glia. 35 (3): 204–212. doi:10.1002/glia.1085. PMID 11494411.
  2. ^ a b Spencer, Diana (August 1, 2023). "bit.bio secures foundational US patent for opti-ox". Drug Discovery World (DDW).
  3. ^ "Forbes Meet The Company Democratizing Access To Human Cells". Forbes.
  4. ^ "Mark Kotter". scholar.google.com.
  5. ^ "Synthetic Biology for Human Health | Cells Reprogrammed | bit.bio". www.bit.bio.
  6. ^ "Elpis BioMed: Mastering the art of reprogramming human cells". July 19, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM)". MYELOPATHY.ORG.
  8. ^ Kotter, M. R.; Pereira, C. F. (2024). "Fast-Forwarding Cellular Reprogramming An Interview with Dr. Mark Kotter". Cellular Reprogramming. 26 (1): 2–7. doi:10.1089/cell.2024.29111.mk. PMID 38381404.
  9. ^ "Author: Mark Kotter". Cambridge Neuroscience.
  10. ^ a b https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions/degenerative-cervical-myelopathy/
  11. ^ Kotter, Mark R.; Setzu, Anna; Sim, Fraser J.; Van Rooijen, Nico; Franklin, Robin J.M. (2001). "Macrophage depletion impairs oligodendrocyte remyelination following lysolecithin-induced demyelination". Glia. 35 (3): 204–212. doi:10.1002/glia.1085. PMID 11494411.
  12. ^ Kotter, M. R.; Zhao, C.; Van Rooijen, N.; Franklin, R. J. (2005). "Macrophage-depletion induced impairment of experimental CNS remyelination is associated with a reduced oligodendrocyte progenitor cell response and altered growth factor expression". Neurobiology of Disease. 18 (1): 166–175. doi:10.1016/j.nbd.2004.09.019. PMID 15649707.
  13. ^ Kotter, M. R.; Li, W. W.; Zhao, C.; Franklin, R. J. (2006). "Myelin Impairs CNS Remyelination by Inhibiting Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Differentiation". The Journal of Neuroscience : The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience. 26 (1): 328–332. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2615-05.2006. PMC 6674302. PMID 16399703.
  14. ^ "Myelin-mediated inhibition of oligodendrocyte precursor differentiation can be overcome by pharmacological modulation of Fyn-RhoA and protein kinase C signalling".
  15. ^ Syed, Yasir A.; Zhao, Chao; Mahad, Don; Möbius, Wiebke; Altmann, Friedrich; Foss, Franziska; Sentürk, Aycan; Acker-Palmer, Amparo; Lubec, Gert; Lilley, Kathryn; Franklin, Robin J. M.; Nave, Klaus-A.; Kotter, Mark R. N.; Kotter MRN (2016). "Antibody-mediated neutralization of myelin-associated EphrinB3 accelerates CNS remyelination". Acta Neuropathologica. 131 (2): 281–298. doi:10.1007/s00401-015-1521-1. PMC 4713754. PMID 26687980.
  16. ^ Davies, B.; Mowforth, O. D.; Yordanov, S.; Alvarez-Berdugo, D.; Bond, S.; Nodale, M.; Kareclas, P.; Whitehead, L.; Bishop, J.; Chandran, S.; Lamb, S.; Bacon, M.; Papadopoulos, M. C.; Starkey, M.; Sadler, I.; Smith, L.; Kalsi-Ryan, S.; Carpenter, A.; Trivedi, R. A.; Wilby, M.; Choi, D.; Wilkinson, I. B.; Fehlings, M. G.; Hutchinson, P. J.; Kotter MRN (2023). "Targeting patient recovery priorities in degenerative cervical myelopathy: design and rationale for the RECEDE-Myelopathy trial-study protocol". BMJ Open. 13 (3): e061294. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061294. PMC 10008337. PMID 36882259.
  17. ^ Kotter, Mark R. (December 24, 2021). "Regeneration in Cervical Degenerative Myelopathy (RECEDE)".
  18. ^ a b Pawlowski, M.; Ortmann, D.; Bertero, A.; Tavares, J. M.; Pedersen, R. A.; Vallier, L.; Kotter, M. R. (2017). "Inducible and Deterministic Forward Programming of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Neurons, Skeletal Myocytes, and Oligodendrocytes". Stem Cell Reports. 8 (4): 803–812. doi:10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.02.016. PMC 5390118. PMID 28344001.
  19. ^ "Controllable transcription".
  20. ^ "Introducing bit bio — coding cells, the building blocks of life". October 15, 2019.
  21. ^ a b "Marius Wernig | Stanford Medicine". CAP Profiles.
  22. ^ "Synthetic Biology Matures, Promising Affordable And Personalized Treatments".
  23. ^ Vierbuchen, Thomas; Ostermeier, Austin; Pang, Zhiping P.; Kokubu, Yuko; Südhof, Thomas C.; Wernig, Marius (2010). "Direct conversion of fibroblasts to functional neurons by defined factors". Nature. 463 (7284): 1035–1041. Bibcode:2010Natur.463.1035V. doi:10.1038/nature08797. PMC 2829121. PMID 20107439.
  24. ^ Cumbers, John. "Meet The Company Democratizing Access To Human Cells". Forbes.
  25. ^ "Proactive - Proactive financial news: fast, accessible, and actionable articles and videos for the global investment audience. - Companies". Proactiveinvestors UK.
  26. ^ "Cambridge Independent: Elpis BioMed: Mastering the art of reprogramming human cells". July 19, 2019.
  27. ^ "Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology (IPT) Coding of Cell Identity".
  28. ^ "Forbes Meet The Company Reprogramming The Future Of Synthetic Biology". Forbes.
  29. ^ "European Biotechnology feature: Biology as Software" (PDF).
  30. ^ Pedersen, Professor Roger (May 7, 2014). "Professor Roger Pedersen". www.cardiovascular.cam.ac.uk.
  31. ^ "Home". BlueRock Therapeutics LP. May 30, 2024.
  32. ^ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Benjamin-Davies-11#:~:text=About&text=Benjamin%20Marshall%20Davies%20currently%20works,in%20particular%20Degenerative%20Cervical%20Myelopathy.
  33. ^ Sadler, Iwan (October 24, 2022). "Interview with Iwan Sadler".
  34. ^ McBride, Jake (February 26, 2020). "Myelopathy". Points of Light.
  35. ^ "AO Spine Knowledge Forum Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)". www.aofoundation.org.
  36. ^ "AO Spine RECODE-DCM". www.aofoundation.org.
  37. ^ https://www.crunchbase.com/person/krijn-de-nood
  38. ^ "Daan Luining". Kind Earth.Tech.
  39. ^ "clock.bio | Home". clock.bio.
  40. ^ "clock.bio Launches to Decode Rejuvenation Biology Across the Human Genome | Business Wire".
  41. ^ a b Kotter, Mark (August 30, 2023). "A white paper for rejuvenation therapies and blueprint for clock.bio".
  42. ^ "bit.bio CEO wins in 2 categories at Great British Entrepreneur Awards". www.bit.bio.
  43. ^ "bit.bio named Emerging Star at European Mediscience Awards 2022". www.bit.bio.
  44. ^ "EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Finalists". www.ey.com.
  45. ^ "bit.bio wins twice at cambridge independent science and technology awards". www.bit.bio.
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