We begin with a fundamental premise: every human is unique.
Each of us is a complex mosaic of genetic variants, epigenetic modifications, and environmental exposures that together define our individual risk for some diseases and our resilience to others.
As genomic research continues to illuminate the intricate architecture of human disease, it's clear that both rare, powerful genetic variants and common variants of small effect contribute to complex disorders, especially those of the brain. This presents our central challenge: to understand how this vast spectrum of genetic risk factors actually functions -how they interact with each other and the environment, and how they manifest within the incredibly diverse ecosystem of cells that build a human.
To unravel these central questions, we believe in using a uniquely human-centered approach.
Our lab does not conduct or commission any animal experiments.
We are convinced that the most direct and relevant path to understanding human pathology lies in studying human biology itself. We harness the power of high-throughput omics and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a technology that allows us to create a "disease-in-a-dish." By transforming these stem cells into the specific cell types affected by a disorder - such as neurons, glia, or complex 3D brain organoids - we can directly observe how a patient's genetic background impacts cellular function, development, and vulnerability.
Our focus on human biology is inseparable from our commitment to human dignity.
Science is a human endeavor, and we are dedicated to building a lab environment that is equitable, inclusive, and fundamentally respectful of all people while they are having fun.
We believe that breakthrough science is sparked by the fusion of diverse perspectives. We actively work to foster a collaborative and supportive culture where every member -regardless of background, identity, or level of experience - feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work.
Ethical conduct is the non-negotiable cornerstone of our research. This principle guides every decision we make, from experimental design and the rigorous, transparent handling of data to the profound responsibility that comes with working with human-derived cells and genetic information.
And.. we also believe that primary human attainment in life is joy and peace. We peacefully work with joy to provide the same for our patients.
Welcome to the Lab!
We are proud to announce that our study has been published in Nature!
Our study titled "A Novel Variant in GNB2 as a Cause of Sick Sinus Syndrome," has received the American Heart Association's Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award.
Congratulations to our students (Team Eyups) for winning Second Place in the TEKNOFEST/TÜBİTAK Biotechnology Innovation Competition (Idea Category) with their project, “Advanced Brain Organoid Chip for Neurosynaptic Disease Research (SynapseDDX & SynapseCU).