Ozansoy Lab / Neurodegeneration Research Group
About Us
We are currently studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the neurodegenerative disorders. In order to do so, we have been using different in vitro models to elucidate the already mentioned mechanisms especially in the context of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and motor neuron disorders.In addition, we are also screening the drug candidates for the treatment of gliomas.
Research Overview
Research Approach
- Our lab primarily focuses on the effect(s) of regulatory RNAs in the molecular pathologies of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs).
- In vitro models of neurodegenerative disorders have been used for this purpose and lncRNAs, miRNAs and circRNAs from cells and/or extracellular vesicles have been investigated in order to make associations between the cellular models of neurodegeneration and the type and quantities of these regulatory RNAs.
- Recently we have also initiated a similar study to try to correlate the differences in regulatory RNAs and neuroinflammation. As it is very well known from the literature that systemic chronic inflammatory diseases (SCIs) trigger neuroinflammation and neuroinflammation is one of the hallmarks of neurodegeneration. In order to elucidate the relationship between SCIs and NDDs, we have been using patient materials and in vitro models.
Our in vitro models:
NSC-34, SH-SY5Y, Neuronal N2a and HCM3 cell lines are preferrentially used.
With these cells, oxidative stress, inflammation and amyloid-beta toxicity models are generated. Cell viability analyses and determination of oxidative stress are performed.
Cellular and exosomal RNAs are isolated from established toxicity models. The targeted regulatory RNAs are quantified by qRT-PCR methods. Candidate regulatory RNAs which may have biomarker potential, are screened by RNAseq.
In addition, protein profiles of exosomes are determined by mass spectrometry and the possible differences of these profiles between toxicity models and control samples are studied.
Clinical Models:
After clinically diagnosed and stage of the disease is determined, the freely circulating and exosomal RNAs are isolated from peripheral blood samples of the patients. The relationships between the type and quantitiy of the isolated regulatory RNAs and the clinical stage of the disease are investigated in order to find out disease and clinical stage specific biomarkers.
NEWS
21 November 2025
A new research article entitled ‘COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE IS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERED HIPPOCAMPAL FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY’ that my Ph.D. student Uğur Aylak and I have made contributions, has recently been accepted by a Cell Press Journal iScience, doi:10.1016/j.isci.2025.113850. here.
14 April 2025
From our undergraduate students, Artun Kanıt, published a full text article entitled “The Investigation of Exosomal L1 Retrotransposon Activity in TNF-α Induced in vitro Toxicity Model in SH-SY5Y Cell Line”, at “10th International Congress on Medical Sciences and Multidisciplinary Approaches”.
06 October 2024
Dr. Mehmet Ozansoy has contributed to the recently published article “The Potential Role of Boron in the Modulation of Gut Microbiota Composition: An In Vivo Pilot Study“. The full article is accessible via PubMed here.
