Our Research

3D medical rendering of a spinal column with a blue highlighted intervertebral disc and a magnification circle showing microscopic cellular structures. 3D medical rendering of a spinal column with a blue highlighted intervertebral disc and a magnification circle showing microscopic cellular structures.

Degenerative Disease Therapeutics

A blue and purple DNA double-helix transforming from digital particles on the left to a detailed structure viewed through a magnifying glass on the right against a white background. A blue and purple DNA double-helix transforming from digital particles on the left to a detailed structure viewed through a magnifying glass on the right against a white background.

Exploration of Novel Genes (BLST)

A 3D illustration showing a blue lipid nanoparticle containing a Cas9 protein and guide RNA moving toward a biological cell with a purple nucleus. A 3D illustration showing a blue lipid nanoparticle containing a Cas9 protein and guide RNA moving toward a biological cell with a purple nucleus.

Multiplex CRISPR Gene Modulation

The Bowles Lab focuses on engineering cell function utilizing multiplex CRISPRa/CRISPRi systems and genome-wide screens to develop novel therapeutics for a broad range of disorders, including the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and fibrosing disorders. The lab pioneered multiplex regulation and genome-wide screens for tissue engineering and gene therapy applications, and was the first to investigate CRISPRi regulation in MSC/ASC populations. A primary achievement includes the discovery of ZNF865 (BLST) , a previously uncharacterized transcriptional regulator of senescence and DNA damage with therapeutic applications to musculoskeletal disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging. The laboratory is currently funded by the NIH to investigate CRISPR epigenome editing across multiple cell types and provides dedicated mentoring to a team of graduate and undergraduate students in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

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Meet the PI

Robby Bowles, PhD
Associate Professor —Biomedical Engineering
Adjunct Assistant Professor — Orthopaedics

Engineering cell function via multiplex CRISPRa/CRISPRi systems to develop therapeutics for degenerative disorders.

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Why Utah?

Biomedical engineering at Utah is vibrant and active, with strong industrial relationships, commercial translation, modern educational perspectives and training, outstanding faculty, facilities and resources. We continuously seek highly motivated, dedicated students willing to engage in cutting-edge biomedical research, innovation and discovery.

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Utah is legendary for snow sports, camping, hiking, biking, fine cuisine, fine arts and entertainment.

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Five scenic national parks and dozens of state parks celebrated for their beauty and accessibility.

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Hiking trails that led National Geographic to rank Salt Lake City No. 1 in Best U.S. Hiking Cities.

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Six world-class skiing and snowboarding resorts within a 40-minute drive of the U of U.

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Interested in Joining the Lab or Learning More?

A collage of eight photos featuring people in a lab with pipettes, a presentation on senescence and degenerative disc disease, a man speaking at a podium, and various outdoor activities including skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. A collage of eight photos featuring people in a lab with pipettes, a presentation on senescence and degenerative disc disease, a man speaking at a podium, and various outdoor activities including skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.