Jennifer Bhatt

Jennifer Bhatt has investigated CDK7 as a transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinase that controls RNA polymerase II activity and super-enhancer-driven transcription programs in cancer cells. Her research showed that CDK7 inhibition disproportionately disrupts transcription of super-enhancer-associated oncogenes including MYC, MCL1, and other cancer-driving transcription factors, providing selectivity over normal cells. She has characterized the mechanisms by which transcription-addicted cancers including triple-negative breast cancer, AML, and SCLC are particularly sensitive to CDK7 inhibition, identifying predictive biomarkers for response. Her work on clinical CDK7 inhibitors has advanced the concept of targeting transcriptional dependencies as a therapeutic strategy across diverse oncology indications.