TÜBİTAK 3501 Project Success from Our Faculty – Asst. Prof. Dr. Esmahan DURMAZ
A project led by Dr. Esmahan Durmaz, a faculty member in our Faculty’s Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, has been awarded funding under the TÜBİTAK 3501 Career Development Program. The project team includes Sinem Gül, Ezgi Kıyga, and Aytaç Gül.
The project aims to develop extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched with BDNF for the protection of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To this end, the plan involves modifying retinal-derived R-28 cells to sustainably increase their BDNF production and characterizing the EVs derived from these cells. The ultimate goal is to establish a standardized and reproducible biological production platform for the delivery of BDNF via extracellular vesicles.
The neuroprotective effects of the BDNF-enriched EVs on RGCs will be evaluated using both in vitro and in vivo models. The project is expected to contribute to the development of innovative, EV-based neuroprotective therapies addressing RGC loss associated with glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.
We congratulate our esteemed faculty member for her successful representation of our faculty through this work and wish her continued success in her endeavors.