MBG Seminar: “Functional Genomic Approaches to the Central Nervous System Disorders”, Yavuz Oktay, 3:30PM April 20 (EN)

“Functional Genomic Approaches to the Central Nervous System Disorders”

Yavuz Oktay, PhD
Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center
Group Leader
Neuro-Genomics Lab

Abstract
Our knowledge of the human genome and how gene regulation occurs in health and disease states has increased tremendously since the Human Genome Project. While a deep understanding of the functional organization of the human genome has been achieved, our knowledge of how the genomic alterations lead to disease states are still limited.

A major focus of our research is to develop models and methods that facilitate identification of DNA variants that cause or contribute to the etiopathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases. A better grasp of the genotype-phenotype relationship in neurodevelopmental diseases is a must to translate the power of genomics into clinical benefit. To this end, we perform whole-exome sequencing of trios and multiplex families to identify candidate variants, and test them with functional studies in cell and animal models by using CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing tools.

The other overarching goal of the Neuro-Genomics Lab is the elucidation of the cellular mechanisms underlying genetic predisposition to complex diseases and phenotypes of the nervous system. In this respect, we employ a functional genomics-based approach to understand the molecular basis of genetic susceptibility to brain tumors and psychiatric disorders. A multidisciplinary approach using genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, bioinformatic and cell biology methods is employed to achieve an integrative understanding of disease development, as well as to identify prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Date: Apr 20, 2022
Time: 03:30 PM Istanbul

***This is an online event. To obtain Zoom link and password, please contact to the department.

All interested are cordially invited.