Majid Pahlevan Kakhki

Dr. Majid Pahlevan Kakhki is a senior postdoctoral fellow in Prof. Maja Jagodic's group at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet. His research focuses on advancing the field of translational neuroimmunology by using innovative genetic and molecular approaches, with an emphasis on epigenetics, to understand the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, mainly in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). His work integrates cutting-edge methodologies in molecular and cellular neuro-epigenetics, within a clinical framework, utilizing one of the world's most competitive MS biobanks.

Postdoctoral fellow: 2018-current, Prof. Maja Jagodic’s group, Neuroimmunology Unit, CMM, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Ph.D. degree: 2013-2017, Molecular Genetics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, Thesis: Evaluation of the role of Vitamin D treatment and long non-coding RNAs on the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

M.Sc. degree: 2010-2012, Molecular Genetics, Zabol University, Zabol, Iran. Thesis: Discovery of genetic variants that are functionally linked to higher risk of MS and their effects on genes expression.

B.Sc. degree: 2003-2007, General Biology, Tarbiat Moallem University of Sabzevar, Iran.

Scholarships and Awards

StratNeuro Funding for postdoctoral researchers, 2022,

MS Förskingsfonden grant, 2021, 2022, 2023

Stiftelsen Neurofonden grant, 2021,

ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Best Young Investigator Poster presentation award, 2020

ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Best Young Investigator Prize, 2020

KI Foundations and Funds, 2018, 2021, 2023

Norlin's Foundation Grant, 2019

MSIF/ECTRIMS McDonald Fellowship, 2018

KI travel grant, 2018, 2020 

Poster Prize, 34th Ernst Klenk Symposium, Cologne, 2018

Sabbatical Opportunity grant form Elites Foundation of Iran, 2016

Sabbatical Opportunity grant from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology of Iran, 2016,

Member of National Elites Foundation of Iran

My research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying multiple sclerosis (MS) and developing novel therapeutic approaches. Key areas of interest include:

1. Epigenetic regulation in MS, with emphasis on DNA methylation and long non-coding RNAs
2. Development of CRISPR-Cas9-based epigenome-editing tools
3. Mechanisms of MS progression and potential interventions
4. Environmental factors in MS pathogenesis, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and vitamin D
5. Genetic and ethnic factors influencing MS susceptibility and progression
6. Application of advanced molecular biology techniques and computational analyses to study neuroimmunological disorders

This research aims to contribute to our understanding of MS pathogenesis and develop innovative approaches for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this complex neurological disease.