Meet one of our 2026 Early Career Grant Recipients, Katarzyna Taylor, PhD! Dr. Taylor’s research over the past decade focuses on the pathomechanisms of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), therapeutic development, and MBNL-regulated physiological processes.

During her PhD, she evaluated antisense oligonucleotides, small molecules, and repurposed antibiotics, studying their interactions with toxic RNA and downstream cellular effects. As a postdoctoral researcher, she led the SONATINA grant under Dr. Krzysztof Sobczak and trained in Dr. Maurice Swanson’s lab, contributing to research on MBNL’s role in thymus development and DM2 biomarkers. Currently, as an Assistant Professor and PI of a SONATA grant, she investigates MBNL-dependent splicing regulation and transcript processing and leads an MDF High Priority Short Term Project Award.

Dr. Taylor also contributes to the European ENTRY-DM consortium, supporting PhD training and co-organizing a course on DM pathogenesis. Her current project “Mechanisms of MBNL Regulation: Molecular Targets for Potential Therapeutic Intervention in DM1” aims to identify regulatory mechanisms controlling MBNL1 and MBNL2 expression, providing new targets for therapy.

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