Öztürk Lab/Neurobiology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group
Understanding the neurodegenerative and regenerative processes from molecular to whole organism level. Probing normal and injured cells with cutting edge technology to understand their functioning in health and disease. Salamander (axolotl) studies to focus on tissue and organ regeneration with main emphasis on nervous system repair.
Research Overview
Research Approach
We are interested in cellular and molecular biology of the nervous system and try to understand its normal functioning and changes in disease states. Cell and tissue response to injury and repair mechanisms leading to regeneration and restoration of structure and function are our main subjects of investigation. To this end we try to understand these processes in a highly regenerative animal model – axolotl with comparative studies. We also have research interest and collaborative projects on brain lymphatics and its relationship with neurodegeneration, perineuronal net in learning and memory, afferent functions of vagus nerve, tumor innervation and biosensor development.
To answer research questions we use both in vivo and in vitro techniques. Generation of the proof is concept usually starts with cell or tissue cultures, then we continue with animal models. We extensively use advanced microscopy, molecular and genetic tools and transgenic animals. We are specialized in micro manipulation of cells with laser micro dissection and optic tweezers, which enables us to study cell mechanics in our research.