Dinah Qutob

Molecular & Cellular Biologist | Educator | Undergraduate Research Mentor

Gene Regulation • Cellular Phenotype • Disease

Research Interests

Molecular & Cellular Biology | Gene Regulation | SOX Transcription Factors | Post-Translational Modification | Cancer Biology | Genomics & Transcriptomics | Bioinformatics | Undergraduate Research

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

I am a molecular and cellular biologist whose research examines how genetic, epigenetic, and post-translational mechanisms regulate gene expression, cellular behavior, and disease. I earned my Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario.

My early research at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the National Research Council of Canada focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogen virulence and adaptation. Using genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics, I investigated how genetic variation and gene regulation enable eukaryotic pathogens to evade host defenses and alter disease outcomes.

Since transitioning to academia, I have extended these fundamental questions into human molecular and cellular biology, with particular interest in the SOX family of transcription factors and their roles in development and disease, including cancer. My current research examines how genetic variation, transcriptional regulation, post-translational modification, and cellular localization influence SOX protein function and cellular phenotype.

A central component of my research program is undergraduate research training. I integrate authentic research questions with molecular biology, cloning, sequencing, bioinformatics, and experimental design to provide students with meaningful experience in the scientific process. This research-intensive approach also informs my teaching, connecting fundamental biological concepts with contemporary biomedical research while developing students' critical thinking, scientific independence, and confidence as emerging scientists.

Central research question: How do changes in molecular regulation reprogram gene expression and cellular phenotype in ways that influence adaptation, development, and disease?

CURRENT RESEARCH

SOX Transcription Factors & Disease. Investigating how genetic variation, post-translational modification, and subcellular localization regulate SOX transcription factor function, with particular interest in cancer biology.

Molecular Regulation of Cellular Phenotype. Examining how alterations in gene and protein regulation reshape transcriptional networks and influence cellular states and disease-associated phenotypes.

Undergraduate Research & Training. Integrating molecular biology, cloning, sequencing, bioinformatics, and experimental design into authentic undergraduate research experiences.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Selected work illustrating the progression of my research from pathogen gene regulation and evolutionary genomics to SOX transcription factors and human disease.

SOX Transcription Factors & Human Disease

Underwood, A., et al., including Qutob, D. (2023). Evolutionary landscape of SOX genes to build a system approach to inform genotype-to-phenotype relationships. Genes, 14(1), 222. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14010222

Gutseit, E., et al., including Qutob, D. SOX2 overexpression reduces Keratin 19 expression and induces a mesenchymal phenotype in breast cancer cell line MCF-7 (Luminal A). Molecular Cancer Research.

Gene Regulation, Epigenetics & Pathogen Evolution

Qutob, D., Chapman, B. P., & Gijzen, M. (2013). Transgenerational gene silencing causes gain of virulence in a plant pathogen. Nature Communications, 4, 1349. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms2354

Baxter, L., et al., including Qutob, D. (2010). Signatures of adaptation to obligate biotrophy in the Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis genome. Science, 330.

Qutob, D., et al. (2006). Phytotoxicity and innate immune responses induced by Nep1-like proteins. The Plant Cell, 18. https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.106.044180

Qutob, D., Kamoun, S., & Gijzen, M. (2002). Expression of a Phytophthora sojae necrosis-inducing protein occurs during transition from biotrophy to necrotrophy. The Plant Journal, 32. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-313x.2002.01439.x

TEACHING & MENTORING

My teaching emphasizes clarity, engagement, evidence-based practice, and the connection of foundational biological concepts to real-world scientific questions. I use research-based learning to help students develop technical competence alongside critical thinking, problem solving, scientific communication, independence, and confidence. Undergraduate mentorship is a central part of my academic work, providing students with opportunities to participate in authentic molecular and cellular biology research.

COURSES TAUGHT

Teaching experience spans molecular and cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, anatomy, health sciences, genomics, plant pathology, and laboratory-based biology at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

Cell & Molecular Biology (BSCI 30140) — Undergraduate. Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Stark Campus.

General Microbiology with Lab (BSCI 30171) — Undergraduate. Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Stark Campus.

Basic Microbiology (BSCI 20021) — Undergraduate. Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Stark Campus.

Human Genetics (BSCI 30050) — Undergraduate. Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Stark Campus.

Human Biology (BSCI 10001) — Undergraduate. Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University.

Life on Planet Earth (BSCI 10002) — Undergraduate. Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Stark Campus.

Laboratory Experience in Biology (BSCI 10003) — Undergraduate. Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Stark Campus.

WALSH UNIVERSITY

Anatomy I (BIO 209) — Undergraduate. Department of Science & Math, Walsh University.

Anatomy II (BIO 210) — Undergraduate. Department of Science & Math, Walsh University.

Honors Cellular & Molecular Techniques (BIO 414) — Undergraduate. Department of Science & Math, Walsh University.

Science & Contemporary Health (NS 101A/B) — Undergraduate. Department of Science & Math, Walsh University.

Nutrition (NS 207) — Undergraduate. Department of Science & Math, Walsh University.

UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO

Biology of Bacteria and Viruses (BIO 359b) — Undergraduate. Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario.

Genes and Genomes I (BIO 461f) — Undergraduate. Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario.

Genes and Genomes II (BIO 462b) — Undergraduate. Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario.

UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN

Advanced Plant Pathology (BIOL 841.3) — Graduate. Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan.

Integrated Pest Management (PLSC 335) — Undergraduate. Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan.