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Project: Intestinal barrier function in age-dependent gut-brain interaction: pharmacological interventions with metformin
Nationality: Turkish
Supervisor / Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ina Bergheim / Prof. Dr. Jose Manuel Fernandez-Real
Host Organisation: University of Vienna (UniVie), Austria
I am from Istanbul, Turkey and I studied Medicine at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa School of Medicine. During my medical studies, I have been deeply interested in research. My research interests include general surgery, neurosciences, and the relationship between Central Nervous System and the gastrointestinal system. I have realized clinical and research internships in the Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Neurosurgery departments at the University of Helsinki and the Medical University of Vienna. My goal is to become a successful general surgeon, with strong clinical knowledge and research skills.
What is your project/research about? What would you like to find out?
The project aims to understand if targeting intestinal microbiota and barrier function through the oral antidiabetic drug metformin protects from aging-associated alterations of intestinal microbiota and barrier function and cognitive decline. Moreover, we try to focus on elucidating molecular mechanisms involved in the loss of intestinal barrier function and cognition during the aging process and to lay the basis for the development of new prevention and therapy approaches.
Why did you apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN and especially this project?
Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN allows connecting with researchers from different parts of Europe and different areas and specialties. This gives you the chance of sharing ideas and be inspired by many other scientists. Thanks to its secondments, it is possible to work in other institutions and learn from them. Moreover, the ESRs meetings and other events help us to connect and collaborate between us more easily. I applied for this project because of the question it tries to resolve. As the interactions between gut and brain are being more understood each day, we are more likely to find possible links between diseases and intestinal functions. Hence, I believe that understanding intestinal barrier functions and re-assess disrupted mechanisms will allow us to approach diseases we know differently and create different possible therapeutic targets. Here in this project, we will try to understand the intestinal barrier dysfunction’s molecular mechanisms and we will make interventions with metformin, the most used anti-diabetic drug according to WHO. Due to its accessibility, I believe that this project will be a pioneer for future interventions that are held with metformin.
What is so fascinating for you on research in general?
The research’s nature of chasing the unknown inspires me. Moreover, contributing to science by publishing papers and sharing information, always being driven by the environment that is created by passionate researchers amazes me and I also want to make contributions and share my findings with scientists all around the world. On the other hand, asking questions and digging for answers, and trying to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of a disease, is what keeps us motivated and what is necessary to advance in science and health.
What do you do in your free time? Do you have special interests/hobbies?
I like going to fitness and practicing martial arts, mainly boxing. I like karting, car racing, and collecting diecast car models. Listening to music relaxes me and helps me keep myself motivated, especially 80s music. I enjoy playing basketball. I also enjoy learning new languages and practicing them.
What are your plans for your future? Where/what you will be in 5 years?
I want to continue my career as a medical doctor who has both a clinical and research approach. In 5 years, I plan to finish my Ph.D. degree and start my medical residency. I also would like to continue in the academy as a lecturer and publish papers and conduct research projects.