The study of the Molecular Basis of Serine Metabolism in Cancer Cells
Greetings! I am Associate Professor Burcu YÜCEL from the Department of Medical Biology at Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine. I would like to share details about my research project titled "Investigation of the molecular basis of serine metabolism in cancer cells," which is supported by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey), and of which I am the coordinator.
Cancer is a genetic disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation. Cancer cells have an increased demand for nutrients to support their rapid growth, and they undergo metabolic reprogramming to meet their energy needs. Glucose is the most commonly utilized nutrient by cancer cells, followed by amino acids. The molecular metabolism of non-essential and essential amino acids, which serve as crucial nutrient sources for cell proliferation, is an important research area that still requires further investigation.
Within the framework of our TÜBİTAK-supported project, we are studying the genetic changes and differences in cell signaling systems that occur when cancer cells are deprived of serine and glycine amino acids. To accomplish this, we employ metabolomic analysis, the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing method, and various biochemical and genetic techniques. The project involves the active participation of two graduate students who are supported by scholarships. The project's findings have the potential to be published internationally, and they contribute to the development of alternative cancer therapeutics through the discovery of new genetic mechanisms.
Our research project is conducted at the Science and Advanced Technologies Research Center (BİLTAM), located on the North campus of our university. This state-of-the-art facility houses an experimental animal research laboratory, advanced technology equipment, a central research laboratory, and concept research laboratories. Our molecular research laboratory is part of this infrastructure, where we conduct our project.
We warmly welcome aspiring students who are interested in conducting research in the field of cancer to join our university and explore exciting opportunities for academic and scientific growth.
Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your participation at Istanbul Medeniyet University.
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Cancer is a genetic disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation. Cancer cells have an increased demand for nutrients to support their rapid growth, and they undergo metabolic reprogramming to meet their energy needs. Glucose is the most commonly utilized nutrient by cancer cells, followed by amino acids. The molecular metabolism of non-essential and essential amino acids, which serve as crucial nutrient sources for cell proliferation, is an important research area that still requires further investigation.
Within the framework of our TÜBİTAK-supported project, we are studying the genetic changes and differences in cell signaling systems that occur when cancer cells are deprived of serine and glycine amino acids. To accomplish this, we employ metabolomic analysis, the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing method, and various biochemical and genetic techniques. The project involves the active participation of two graduate students who are supported by scholarships. The project's findings have the potential to be published internationally, and they contribute to the development of alternative cancer therapeutics through the discovery of new genetic mechanisms.
Our research project is conducted at the Science and Advanced Technologies Research Center (BİLTAM), located on the North campus of our university. This state-of-the-art facility houses an experimental animal research laboratory, advanced technology equipment, a central research laboratory, and concept research laboratories. Our molecular research laboratory is part of this infrastructure, where we conduct our project.
We warmly welcome aspiring students who are interested in conducting research in the field of cancer to join our university and explore exciting opportunities for academic and scientific growth.
Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your participation at Istanbul Medeniyet University.
