Our current research focuses on RNA biology, noncoding RNAs, and RNA methylation, particularly under cellular stress and their impact on health. To this end, we aim to identify and characterize long noncoding RNAs, intronic ncRNAs, and circular RNAs that regulate apoptosis and cell proliferation in humans. We also tackle various RNA:RNA interactions (e.g., lncRNA:miRNA, circRNA:miRNA) as part of gene regulation. Additionally, our interest in RNA biology extends to regulatory RNA modifications (m6A) and to the lncRNA-mediated organization of the genome associated with apoptosis. We are proud to be part of two important consortia: EPILUNAR and the Human RNome Project!
We use various cell lines as model systems to conduct research at the biochemical, cellular, genetic, and genomic levels. We also collaborate with other research groups for studies on animal models or human samples.
1. Cellular Studies: We use flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy to examine various cellular phenotypes such as cell death, proliferation, adhesion, motility, and migration.
2. Genetics studies: We use diverse tools to overexpress or silence ncRNA activities in cell lines to unravel the effects of such manipulations on cell behaviour.
3. Biochemical studies: We exploit different biochemical approaches to examine protein/RNA amounts, localization and ncRNA:protein interactions.
4. Genomics studies: We take advantage of RNA-seq technology to screen the transcriptome for phenotype-related transcripts. Candidates are subsequently validated and functionally studied using cellular, genetic, and biochemical approaches.
Our research is currently funded by five TUBITAK and two TÜSEB projects, which also include funding for several graduate and three undergraduate students, as well as other TUBITAK-funded fellowships, such as STAR, 2210, 2211, and 2218.
TUBITAK KBAG 122Z606 (COST CA19138, 2022-2026, PI)
TUBITAK KBAG 123Z234 (COST CA20114, 2023-2026, PI)
TUSEB 2023-B-01-33533 (B Grubu, 2024-2026, PI)
TUBITAK KBAG 124Z259 (1001, 2024-2027, PI)
TUBITAK UPAG 124N946 (EU ERA.NET TRANSCAN-3, 2025-2028, PI)
TUSEB 2024-B-01-40493 (B Grubu, 2024-2026, PI)
TUBITAK KBAG 126Z125 (COST, 2026-2029, PI)
YÖK ADEP-2026 (ADEP, 2026-2027, PI)