USKOKMER- Stem Cells Research Center Istanbul
Turkey Uskudar University November2019 -August 2022 Principal Investigator: Sevim Isık
Ph.D. Research Project Coordinator/ Graduate Researcher • Participated in the writing of the TÜBİTAK 1001 219S842 project "Investigation of the Role of DNA Topoisomerase IIβ in Neuroinflammation in the A53T α-Synuclein Mutant Transgenic Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease and In Vitro Illumination of Related Molecular Pathways." • Wrote the project "Testing hydrogel-supported stem cell therapies in traumatic brain injuries in a mouse model" within the scope of the research fund of the Presidency of Health Institutions of Turkey (TUSEB)
supporting stem cell applications in neurological diseases. • Wrote the project "Treatment of deformed glandular parotic with stem cells in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy" within the scope of the bilateral cooperation of Turkish-Korean science institutes. • Wrote the project "Investigation of inflammatory mechanisms thought to cause schizophrenia in the ACE2 TG transgenic mouse model" funded by the Turkish Science and Technical Research Council (TUBITAK) for innovative treatments in neuropsychiatric diseases. • Completed a master's thesis titled "Examination of Topo IIß Gene Expression in LPS-Induced HMC3 Microglia Cell Line" as a project parameter for the TÜBİTAK 1001219S842 project in genetics and neuroinflammation studies. Conducted optimization studies of microglia (HMC3) cell lines under cell culture conditions. Sequenced and optimized the topoisomerase IIß gene by obtaining a plasmid. Explored transfection reagents for overexpression and induction of the gene. Created a neuroinflammation model in HMC3 cell culture and analyzed its efficiency with TNF- alpha
LPS
and ATP catalysts. Employed microscopy and flow cytometry methods to observe changes in microglia morphology and phenotype differences. Confirmed the obtained data through RNA (rt-qPCR) and protein level (Western Blot) techniques. • Established a neuroinflammation model by co-culturing neuron (SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cell line)
astrocyte (C6 glioma cell line)
and microglia (HMC3 cell line) cell lines to study crosstalk between cells in neuroinflammation. Investigated the effect of the topoisomerase IIß gene on neuroinflammation patterns. Utilized flow cytometry
protein level (Western Blot)
and RNA level (rt-qPCR) methods for model confirmation. • Induced cells with retinoic acid (RA) and Human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for differentiation. Monitored the differentiation process using a real-time cell analysis system. Confirmed neurite and axon elongation through immunohistochemistry methods. Constructed a Parkinson's model using MPP+ after neural differentiation. Employed the immunofluorescence method to establish the Parkinson's model. Controlled the expression of the topoIIß gene in the Parkinson's model at protein (Western Blot) and RNA (rt-qPCR) levels. • Organized the journal club on stem cell and regenerative medicine methods in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases on a weekly basis. Coordinated laboratory colleagues in presenting new developments from the relevant literature. Skills & Qualifications • Ability to work independently and efficiently. • Strong organizational and task prioritization skills. • Excellent communication skills and proficiency in performing administrative and clerical tasks. • Proficient in general laboratory procedures
techniques
and documentation. • Willingness to learn and adapt to new techniques and technologies. • Fluent in English
Spanish
French
and Catalan. • Proficient in statistical analysis and software such as SPSS
MATLAB
and Python. • Proficient in using various software programs
including Microsoft Office Suite (Word
Excel
PowerPoint). • Advanced knowledge and experience in 3D cell culture techniques. • Skilled in protein isolation
Western Blot
PCR
rt-qPCR
toxicity testing
IHC
Northern Blot
and ELISA. • Proficient in anatomical dissection studies for medical and veterinary purposes. • Experienced in static analysis of behavioral data and microarray data. • Familiarity with electrophysiology
imaging
protein purification
and optical and electron microscopy techniques. • Advanced level proficiency in conducting animal experiments
behavioral experiments
anatomical dissection
and molecular analysis.de Strooper & Arancibia lab Cellular Phase of Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory Lab content In this section Overview Vacancies Publications Lab members Artistic representation of spatial transcriptomic data around amyloid plaques. Artistic representation of spatial transcriptomic data around amyloid plaques. Created by Duygu Koldere Vilain.TOGGLE TO VIEW HERO CAPTION Contact Bart De Strooper Job title:Principal Group Leader Lorena Arancibia Carcamo Job title:Group Member - Secondment Related links UK Dementia Research Institute Related topics BIOCHEMISTRY & PROTEOMICS CELL BIOLOGY COMPUTATIONAL & SYSTEMS BIOLOGY HUMAN BIOLOGY & PHYSIOLOGY MODEL ORGANISMS NEUROSCIENCES STEM CELLS Alzheimer’s Disease causes hundreds of interconnected changes in the brain many years before the onset of clinical symptoms. We want to understand the mechanisms behind these changes and use this information to identify potential new treatments. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by the abnormal build-up of protein in the brain. Most researchers believe that these protein clusters
or the mechanisms that form them
may be important in the progress of the disease. One of these proteins
Amyloid beta (Aβ) is produced from the breakdown of Amyloid Precursor Protein and historically Alzheimer’s research has focused on this chain reaction as a possible target for new treatments. However
most clinical trials attempting to target this pathway have been unsuccessful. In our lab
we are looking at the effects of Aβ on the immune and support cells of the brain and how this changes how cells interact with each other. We combine studies of individual brain cells and cell networks with genetic screening to identify mechanisms behind the disease that could lead to the development of new treatments.