TÜBİTAK 3501 PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT FROM OUR DEPARTMENT – ASSIST. PROF. DR. ESMAHAN DURMAZ
A project led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Esmahan DURMAZ, a faculty member of our department, has been awarded funding under the TÜBİTAK 3501 Career Development Program.
Project Title:
Development of BDNF Loaded Extracellular Vesicles for the Protection of Retinal Ganglion Cells
Project Team:
Molecular Biology Specialist Sinem GÜL, (Researcher) - University of Edinburgh
Asst. Prof. Ezgi KIYGA - Marmara University
Asst. Prof. Aytaç GÜL - Hatay Mustafa Kemal University
The project aims to develop brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-enriched extracellular vesicles (EVs) for the protection of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). To this end, retinal-derived R-28 cells will be modified to achieve a sustained increase in BDNF production, and EVs derived from these cells will be characterized. Through this approach, the project seeks to establish a standardized and reproducible biological production platform for the delivery of BDNF via extracellular vesicles.
The neuroprotective effects of the developed BDNF enriched EVs on RGCs will be evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models. The project is expected to contribute to the development of innovative EV based neuroprotective therapeutic approaches targeting RGC loss associated with glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.