Astrid Kral Email & Phone Number

Holliston, MA, US

Natick, Massachusetts, US

My expertise is biochemistry and enzymology (and, yes, I still enjoy benchwork). I am a data science enthusiast, have developed many assays, determined mechanisms of action, purified many a protein, done cell biology, and performed in vivo mouse studies (tumor models). If I don’t have hands-on experience, I likely can develop the strategy and supervise its.

Chicago, IL, US

I tutor college level cell biology and biochemistry. 4.9/5 stars

• Supported the AI team to test DEL screen-informed chemical libraries. Advised and assisted in the improvement of data-mining algorithms for use by the AI group.
• Developed and performed screening assays. Worked with CROs to run assays.
• Reviewed several potential targets for feasibility. Collaborating on evaluating different targeting approaches on a new project.

• Provided biochemical and cell biology expertise to internal and external teams to institute biochemical and cell-based screening tools for the newly formed start-up.
• Oversaw external CRO resources responsible for protein production, activity and cell-based assay development, high throughput screening, and crystallography

• Developed a first-in-kind activity assay for a challenging RNA modification enzyme, ADAR1.
• Developed and conducted biochemical screening assays utilizing this format.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, US

• Designed and performed proof of concept studies for developing a panel of nonspecific, proprietary fluorescence polarization (FP) probes. This panel enables rapid binding assay development for kinases lacking known.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB

• Developed the strategy for screening and compound characterization for a kinase program. Coordinated the efforts of 10 scientists to deliver reagents, develop screening assays, and compound characterization. 3.
• Formulated and coordinated strategies to evaluate new technologies.
• Recruited a representative from each AZ site to form a cross-site Biochemical Mechanism Network.
• Designed and developed the HTS campaign strategy and assays for a second kinase program. Performed MOA studies and developed a medium throughput FP binding assay to determine on- and off-rates.
• Supervised an intern conducting LC-MS screening.

• Initiated and led a novel polypharmacology study
• Co-leader on the IDH1 program with the primary responsibility of developing, conducting, and coordinating biochemical and biophysical assays (including NMR, AS-MS, CD, and crystallography). - Designed DNA methylation.
• Worked on a variety of enzymes with different enzymatic mechanisms. These include: Farnesyl:Protein Transferase, several kinases, Histone Deacetylases, Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), and a prolylisomerase.
• Produced and characterized proteins prior to developing primary and secondary screening assays. Successfully transferred screens to other screening groups or CROs.
• Collaborated with chemists to develop novel ligands and substrates for binding and activity assays.
• Developed an FP assay to further describe the HDAC inhibitor MOA. A patent was granted for this assay.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biochemistry

Applied Data Science

Master'S Degree, Molecular Biology

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Biology, General