Dr. Sci. Goran Kungulovski

2015

PhD in Biochemistry and Epigenetics (summa cum laude) Institute of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Germany PhD Supervisor: Prof. Albert Jeltsch

2012

Master in Life Molecular Sciences (summa cum laude)

School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs University Bremen, Germany

2010

Bachelor of Biology

Biochemistry and Physiology – Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia

2016 – present
Co-founder and Chief Scientist at Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Genomics, Zan Mitrev Clinic, North Macedonia

Leading the scientific research and development as well as the strategic operations of the laboratory, driving innovation in molecular diagnostics and precision genomics. Actively involved in research and analytical efforts across the hospital, contributing to its overarching goals of advancing precision medicine and improving patient outcomes. Leading a regular team of >5 people at the laboratory. Sequenced the first human genomes in Macedonia. Sequenced the first SARS-Cov-2 genomes in Macedonia and first detected the appearance of the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants in Macedonia. Carried around 10-20% of all PCR and antigen COVID testing in the country.

2016 – present
Scientific and technology consultant, IT and biotech companies, UNDP, EU Commission,

Provided expert consulting across a wide range of domains, including software development for pharmacogenetic and genetic testing platforms, strategic planning for molecular biology reagent vendors, and the establishment and optimization of laboratory facilities. Additionally, served as an external scientific reviewer,

evaluator, and monitor for the EU Commission, contributing to the assessment and oversight of cutting-edge scientific projects. Continues working in a consulting role for Bio Engineering from 2024 onwards.

2019 – present
Co-founder, Nuclein Health, North Macedonia

Founded and established the company, designing logistics and analytical pipelines for direct-to-consumer DNA testing products. Successfully raised seed funding to support early growth and innovation. Continues to play an active role in the company’s strategic and commercial development, driving its vision and market expansion.

2023 – present
Co-founder and CEO, Fingerprint Diagnostics LLC, North Macedonia

Played a pivotal role in establishing the company, driving research and development initiatives, and integrating team efforts with operational strategies to advance the company’s innovative goals. Responsible for aligning cutting-edge cancer screening technology with market needs to deliver impactful diagnostic solutions. Leading the scientific development of multi-omic, Nanopore- and Illumina-based products for early disease diagnostics, including cancer, through non-invasive blood testing.

Previous position(s)

2016 – 2024
Chief Scientific Officer, Bio Engineering LLC, North Macedonia

Responsible for overseeing scientific, clinical, and operational development, as well as establishing strategic partnerships with clinics. In collaboration with the Zan Mitrev Clinic, played an essential role in the establishment of the Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Genomics, driving innovation in molecular diagnostics and precision medicine. Ensured the integration of cutting-edge genomics, molecular diagnostics technologies, and research to enhance clinical outcomes and foster collaboration between the company and healthcare institutions.

2012 – 2016
Research Associate, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Led research and development efforts focused on chromatin mapping and epigenome editing tools. Successfully managed and guided a team of over 5 researchers, including BSc and Master students, as well as PhD candidates, on grant-funded initiatives. Coordinated advanced research projects, ensuring the integration of innovative methodologies and driving progress in epigenetic research.

Chromatin & Epigenetics publications

• DNA methylation variability defines a fundamental dimension of tumor epigenomes linked to genomic instability, tumor aggressiveness, and clinical outcomes – Djansel Bukovec, Blagojche Gjorgjioski, Monika Simjanoska Misheva, Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author) (Epigenetics and Chromatin, 2026 under review)

• Mutations in chromatin regulator genes associate with TMB and immunotherapy response in melanoma Marija Gjorgjievska, Djansel Bukovec, Andzelka Ilieva, Milan Risteski, Ivan Kungulovski, Zan Mitrev, Aimilios Lallas  Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author) (Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research, 2026 under review)

• Tumors with mutations in chromatin regulators are associated with higher mutational burden and improved response to checkpoint immunotherapy – Marija Gjorgjievska, Sanja Mehandziska, Djansel Bukovec, Milan Risteski, Ivan Kungulovski, Zan Mitrev, Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author) (Clinical Epigenetics, 2026)

• Refined read-out: the hUHRF1 Tandem-Tudor domain prefers binding to histone H3 tails containing K4me1 in the context of H3K9me2/3 – M Choudalakis, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), R Mauser, P Bashtrykov, A Jeltsch (Protein Science, 2023)
• Application of mixed peptide arrays to study combinatorial readout of chromatin modifications – R Mauser, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), D Meral, D Maisch, A Jeltsch (Biochimie, 2018)
• H3K14ac is linked to methylation of H3K9 by the triple Tudor domain of SETDB1– Renata Z Jurkowska, Su Qin, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), Wolfram Tempel, Yanli Liu, Pavel Bashtrykov, Judith Stiefelmaier, Tomasz P Jurkowski, Srikanth Kudithipudi, Sara Weirich, Raluca Tamas, Hong Wu, Ludmila Dombrovski, Peter Loppnau, Richard Reinhardt, Jinrong Min, Albert Jeltsch (Nature communications, 2017) (highly cited)

• Application of dual reading domains as novel reagents in chromatin biology reveals a new H3K9me3 and H3K36me2/3 bivalent chromatin state – R Mauser, Goran Kungulovski (first co-author), C Keup, R Reinhardt, A Jeltsch (Epigenetics & chromatin, 2017)
• Application of recombinant TAF3 PHD domain instead of anti-H3K4me3 antibody – Goran Kungulovski (first co-author), R Mauser, R Reinhardt, A Jeltsch (Epigenetics & chromatin, 2016)
• Affinity reagents for studying histone modifications & guidelines for their quality control – Goran Kungulovski (first author), R Mauser, A Jeltsch (Epigenomics, 2015)
• Specificity analysis of histone modification-specific antibodies or reading domains on histone peptide arrays – Goran Kungulovski (first author), I Kycia, R Mauser, A Jeltsch (Peptide Antibodies, Methods and Protocols, 2015), book chapter.
• Quality of histone modification antibodies undermines chromatin biology research – Goran Kungulovski (first author), A Jeltsch (F1000 Research, 2015)

• Application of histone modification-specific interaction domains as an alternative to antibodies – Goran Kungulovski (first author), Ina Kycia, Raluca Tamas, Renata Z Jurkowska, Srikanth Kudithipudi, Chisato Henry, Richard Reinhardt, Paul Labhart, Albert Jeltsch (Genome Research, 2014) (highly cited)

• The Tudor domain of the PHD finger protein 1 is a dual reader of lysine trimethylation at lysine 36 of histone H3 and lysine 27 of histone variant H3t – I Kycia, S Kudithipudi, R Tamas, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), A Dhayalan, A Jeltsch (Journal of Molecular Biology, 2014)
• Application of Celluspots peptide arrays for the analysis of the binding specificity of epigenetic reading domains to modified histone tails – I Bock, S Kudithipudi, R Tamas, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), A Dhayalan, A Jeltsch (BMC Biochemistry, 2011) (highly cited)

Epigenome editing publications

• Genome-wide investigation of the dynamic changes of epigenome modifications after global DNA methylation editing – J Broche, Goran Kungulovski (first co-author), P Bashtrykov, P Rathert, A Jeltsch, (Nucleic acids research, 2021)
• Efficient targeted DNA methylation with chimeric dCas9–Dnmt3a–Dnmt3L methyltransferase – P Stepper, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), RZ Jurkowska, T Chandra, F Krueger, Richard Reinhardt, Wolf Reik, Albert Jeltsch, Tomasz P Jurkowski (Nucleic acids research, 2017) (highly cited)

• Correction of aberrant imprinting by allele-specific epigenome editing – P Bashtrykov, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), A Jeltsch (Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2016)

• Epigenome editing: state of the art, concepts, and perspectives – Goran Kungulovski (first author), A Jeltsch (Trends in Genetics, 2016) (highly cited)
• Targeted epigenome editing of an endogenous locus with chromatin modifiers is not stably maintained Goran Kungulovski (first co-author), S Nunna, M Thomas, UM Zanger, R Reinhardt, A Jeltsch (Epigenetics & chromatin, 2015) (highly cited)

Rare disease diagnostics publications

• Compound Heterozygosity in Cerebellar Ataxia, Mental Retardation, and Disequilibrium Syndrome Type 4 –B Teov, A Janchevska, A Beqiri-Jasari, V Tasic, Goran Kungulovski (co-corresponding author), Z Gucev (PRILOZI 44, 2023)
• A Pediatric Case of Glioblastoma Multiforme Associated With a Novel Germline p.His112CysfsTer9 Mutation in the MLH1 Gene Accompanied by a p.Arg283Cys Mutation in in the TP53 Gene: A Case Report – Aleksandra Stajkovska, Sanja Mehandziska, Rodney Rosalia, Margarita Stavrevska, Marija Janevska, Martina Markovska, Ivan Kungulovski, Zan Mitrev, Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author), (Frontiers in Genetics, 2018)
• Detection of novel and reported rare disease-causing genetic mutations in Macedonia: A Collage of Case Reports – S Mehandziska, A Stajkovska, M Stavrevska, M Janevska, M Markovska, I Kungulovski, Z Mitrev, Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author), (EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS, 2019)

• Trio clinical exome sequencing in a patient with multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis syndrome: first case report in the Balkans – Aleksandra Stajkovska, Sanja Mehandziska, Margarita Stavrevska, Kristina Jakovleva, Natasha Nikchevska, Zan Mitrev, Ivan Kungulovski, Gjorgje Zafiroski, Velibor Tasic, Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author) (Frontiers in Genetics, 2018)
• Progressive Familial Intrahepatic cholestasis type3 resulting from compound heterozygosity of ABCB4 mutations – N Nikcevska, S Petrovska, S Mehandziska, M Spirovski, Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author) (EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS, 2017)

Precision Genomics publications

• Case report: omicron BA. 2 subvariant of SARS-CoV-2 outcompetes BA. 1 in two co-infection cases Marija Gjorgjievska, Sanja Mehandziska, Aleksandra Stajkovska, Slavica Pecioska-Dokuzovska, Anica Dimovska, Idriz Durmish, Sara Ismail, Teodora Pavlovska, Antonija Stojchevska, Haris Amedi, Jasna Andonova, Marija Nikolovska, Sara Velickovikj, Zan Mitrev, Ivan Kungulovski, Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author), (Frontiers in Genetics, 2022)
• Workflow for the implementation of precision genomics in healthcare – Sanja Mehandziska, Aleksandra Stajkovska, Margarita Stavrevska, Kristina Jakovleva, Marija Janevska, Rodney Rosalia, Ivan Kungulovski, Zan Mitrev, Goran Kungulovski (corresponding author) (Frontiers in Genetics, 2020)

• P961 CYP2C19-dependent clopidogrel resistance is a possible cause for coronary stent and peripheral bypass occlusion – M Klinceva, S Mehandziska, E Idoski, A Stajkovska, M Stavrevska, K Jakovleva, V Ampova-Sokolov, R Rosalia, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), M Blazevska, N Hristov, I Milev, Z Mitrev European Heart Journal (suppl_1), 2019)

Other publications

• • Rhizosphere microbiomes of resurrection plants Ramonda serbica and R. nathaliae: comparative analysis and search for bacteria mitigating drought stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) – Jelena Lozo, Nemanja Ristović, Goran Kungulovski (co-author), Živko Jovanović, Tamara Rakić, Slaviša Stanković, Svetlana Radović (World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2023

• Voluntarily contribute expertise as a reviewer for scientific journals such as Clinical Epigenetics, Scientific Reports, Genes etc., critically evaluating research papers for quality, rigor, and contribution to the field.

Serve as an expert evaluator, reviewer, and monitor for Horizon 2020 and other EU Commission-funded projects. Provide critical assessments of project proposals, progress, and outcomes to ensure scientific excellence, innovation, and compliance with program goals. Contribute to the strategic allocation of funding and the advancement of cutting-edge research and development initiatives across Europe.

– Isolation of nucleosomes having multiple-modified histone protein octamers – A Jeltsch, Goran Kungulovski (co-inventor), R Mauser US Patent, 2020. Developed and patented innovative recombinant protein-based tools designed for precise chromatin mapping and dual readout of histone modifications. These tools enable advanced analysis of epigenetic landscapes, contributing to a deeper understanding of gene regulation and chromatin dynamics.

2016 – current: Leading a regular team of >5 people at Zan Mitrev Clinic (Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Genomics), and >5 people at Fingerprint Diagnostics. Sequenced the first human genomes in Macedonia. Sequenced the first SARS-Cov-2 genomes in Macedonia and first detected the appearance of the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants in Macedonia.

2020 – 2023: Led a team of >50 people at Zan Mitrev Clinic (Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Genomics), Zan Mitrev Diagnostic (Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics), Zan Mitrev Labs (Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry), TAV Airport Skopje (COVID lab), TAV Airport Ohrid (COVID lab), Avicena KS Labs (Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics), KFOR & Ecolog (COVID lab at the Film City, Military base), Bio Engineering (Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology) during the COVID pandemic.

2012 – 2016: Successfully managed and guided advanced research projects with a team of +5 researchers (BSc & Master students, PhD candidates) on grant-funded initiatives at the University of Stuttgart.