Research
Research at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Our department lies at the intersection of molecular biology, genetics, and modern biotechnology, driving innovative solutions to global challenges in human health, medicine, food safety, and life sciences. Our academic staff conducts cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research funded by prestigious national and international consortia.
Our Core Research Areas
- Computational Systems Biology & Bioinformatics: Integrating multi-omics data, machine learning, and explainable AI for precision oncology, pathway modeling, and therapeutic target identification.
- Cancer Biology, Genetics & Epigenetics: Characterizing cellular transition states (EMT), cell death pathways (ferroptosis), and diagnostic indicators in human cancers.
- Molecular Diagnostics & Cytogenetics: Advancing genetic disease identification using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), FISH, and specialized bioinformatics pipelines.
- Biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine: Engineering smart, biopolymer-based 3D scaffolds, hydrogels, and infection-detecting wound dressings.
- Advanced Drug Delivery & Nanomedicine: Designing target-specific immunoliposomes, nanocapsules, and controlled-release platforms for localized therapies.
- Protein Engineering, Biosensors & Diagnostics: Developing high-sensitivity MEMS biosensors, lateral flow assays, and engineered DNA-binding protein complexes.
- Bioprocesses, Spectroscopy & Food Security: Applying optical sensors, Raman/FTIR spectroscopy, and enzymatic technologies to guarantee food safety and authentication.
Academic Staff & Research Profiles
Assoc. Prof. Özlem Ulucan Açan
Dr. Özlem Ulucan Açan’s research focuses on computational systems biology, multi-omics data integration, and the application of machine learning and explainable AI in molecular oncology. Her laboratory investigates the complex molecular mechanisms driving Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Ferroptosis processes in triple-negativebreast, gastric, and lung cancers to advance computational drug repurposing and precision medicine.
Active Projects:
- Principal Investigator, "Investigation of the interaction between epithelial–mesenchymal transition and ferroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer and evaluation of its potential relevance for novel therapeutic combinations." (TÜBİTAK 1001).
- Principal Investigator, "Characterization of hybrid epithelial–mesenchymal transition states in cancer cells and identification of candidate drug molecules targeting these hybrid states." (TÜBİTAK 3501).
Assoc. Prof. Reyhan Selin Uysal Afacan
Associate Professor Reyhan Selin Uysal Afacan specializes in bioanalytical chemistry, food biotechnology, enzyme technology, and spectroscopy applications. In her research, she develops rapid diagnostic systems by combining vibrational spectroscopy techniques (Raman, ATR-FTIR, NIR) with machine learning and chemometric methods to analyze volatile and phenolic compounds in food, monitor ripening/aging processes, and prevent food fraud. Additionally, she focuses on the development of novel biocatalysts for industrial and food applications through recombinant protein production and enzyme engineering. Her studies particularly center on the design of biocatalytic approaches that facilitate the use of recombinant enzymes in food processing and the optimization of their functional properties.
Active Projects:
- Supervisor, "Acrylamide Reduction in Foods by Enzymatic Methods: Production and Application of Recombinant L-Asparaginase Enzyme on Food".
- Supervisor, "Characterization of aged wine vinegars and new approaches to authenticity determination by spectroscopic techniques" (TÜBİTAK 1002-A).
Asst. Prof. Ali Deniz Dalgıç
Dr. Ali Deniz Dalgıç focuses on regenerative medicine, biomaterials, and targeted drug delivery. His research group designs advanced biopolymer scaffolds, smart hydrogels, and micro/nanoparticles. By leveraging natural resources, such as local diatom biosilica, and active liposomal carrier formulations, he develops innovative wound dressing systems, localized post-tumor resection anticancer drug delivery systems, and other localized post-surgery therapies. Additionally, he combines diagnosis and treatment (theranostics) through active surface modification.
Active Projects:
- Coordinator, "Production of Smart and Active Wound Dressing Able to Detect Infection with Local Diatom Biosilica Carrying Alizarin" (TÜBİTAK 1001, Project No: 124M489, Ongoing).
- Researcher, "Nano-Enabled Antimicrobial Food Packaging Incorporating Natural Bioactives from Mediterranean Agri-Wastes" (HORIZON 2020, PRIMA, Ongoing).
Asst. Prof. Candan Eker
Dr. Candan Eker’s research is centered on molecular genetics, medical cytogenetics, and biotechnology. She specializes in the molecular analysis of genetic diseases using clinical cytogenetics and genomic methodologies, including Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH), microarray Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH), and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Her work bridges academic diagnostics with biotechnology R&D.
Active Research Areas:
- Diagnostic assay design, molecular screening, and clinical evaluation of complex genetic disorders.
- Translational biotechnology R&D and bioinformatics pipeline development for medical genetics products.
Asst. Prof. Gülsen Betül Aktaş
Dr. Gülsen Betül Aktaş conducts research at the interface of protein engineering, nanobiotechnology, and biosensor development. Her laboratory utilizes molecular engineering of DNA-binding proteins to design rapid, cost-effective diagnostics (such as lateral flow assays) and works on development of biosensors with high-sensitivity. She is also a key investigator in sustainable, nano-enabled antimicrobial packaging systems.
Active Projects:
- Project Coordinator, "A-BLOCK: Nano-Enabled Antimicrobial Food Packaging Incorporating Natural Bioactives from Mediterranean Agri-Wastes" (H2020 PRIMA Project, International Consortium).
- Project Coordinator, "Development of High-Sensitivity Polyimide-Based Piezoresistive MEMS Biosensors" (TÜBİTAK 3501).
Asst. Prof. Sesil Çınar
Assistant Professor Sesil Çınar’s research interests focus on computational chemistry and biochemistry, encompassing the molecular-level investigation of biologically significant systems. In her work, she concentrates on rational drug design, enzyme-inhibitor interactions, and covalent inhibitor mechanisms through molecular modeling, docking, and quantum chemical calculations. Alongside her theoretical research, she also conducts experimental studies aimed at isolating bioactive compounds from natural extracts and determining their potential therapeutic effects.
Active Projects:
- Researcher, "Production of PHBV Nanocapsules Releasing Plantago Major Extract and Vancomycin and Investigation of Their Potential for Use in the Treatment of Osteomyelitis" (TÜBİTAK 1002, 2025–Ongoing).
- Consultant, "Investigation of Metal Toxicity and Examination of Metal-based Drug Candidate Interactions in the Use of Metal-Based Catalysts" (Industry-Funded, 2024–2025).
- Consultant, "Development of Anti-Aging Skin Care Products Supporting Cell Regeneration" (Industry-Funded, 2023–2025).