Karan Mahe

Background

About Karan Mahe

I am a neuroscience Ph.D. candidate at Caltech in Viviana Gradinaru’s lab (https://glab.caltech.edu), where I develop gene therapies for the brain and neurodevelopmental disorders using engineered AAV vectors. These disorders are driven by gene dosage imbalances, and my research focuses on restoring healthy expression in mutant cells while avoiding overexpression in wildtype cells—a key challenge in systemic gene therapy for mosaic conditions.To accomplish this, I design, apply, and measure the effects of AAV-based gene therapy based upon the endogenous cellular context. My approach integrates in vivo imaging with viral delivery to observe how these therapies reshape neuronal physiology at single-cell resolution. I aim to build safer, more controllable AAV platforms that adapt dynamically to cellular state, enabling targeted rescue without disrupting healthy tissue.Beyond developing the vectors, I analyze how therapeutic expression patterns evolve over time within the brain to assess gene performance, dosage stability, and off-target risk—key factors for advancing gene therapies from bench to bedside.My work bridges synthetic biology, functional imaging, and translational neuroscience. I’m particularly interested in how we can use smart AAV logic to bring greater precision, safety, and scalability to CNS gene therapy. Looking ahead, I am strongly interested in pursuing a career in Medical Affairs, where I can bridge translational science, clinical evidence, and stakeholder communication in gene therapy and neuroscience. I am also exploring scientific roles contributing to gene therapy pipelines, as well as longer-term paths in law or policy focused on shaping ethical and regulatory frameworks for next-generation medicines.Prior to Caltech, I earned a B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from UC Davis, where I studied centrosomal Cell Biology under Dr. Li-En Jao. During my post-bac in Dr. Lin Tian’s lab, I helped engineer fluorescent sensors for measuring neuropeptide release in live brain tissue.I’m also deeply committed to and passionate about LGBTQIA+ and women’s rights, and I’m also passionate about connecting science with advocacy. I support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Let’s connect—I’m always open to new collaborations and conversations.