In the article series ‘Science around the world’ featured in Trends in Molecular Medicine, they embark on a fascinating journey to discover the scientific insights and geographical influences shaping groundbreaking research. Today, they delve into Istanbul, Turkey, as Dr. Serkan Kır shares his experiences. Dr. Serkan Kır reflects on the unique opportunities and challenges encountered in Istanbul that have profoundly influenced his research.

Our lab is proud to announce our recent publication in Cell Reports Medicine, shedding light on a crucial mechanism behind muscle loss in cancer patients. This study, led by Aylin Domaniku-Waraich and team, demonstrates how Oncostatin M signaling can significantly impact muscle atrophy, presenting a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Understanding these pathways is vital for developing strategies to preserve muscle mass and function, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Read the full article to explore how this discovery could change the landscape of cancer treatment.

In the cutting-edge review “Ectodysplasin A2 Receptor Signaling in Skeletal Muscle Pathophysiology” by Sevgi Döndü Özen, groundbreaking insights reveal how EDA2R signaling is a key player in muscle wasting diseases, including cancer cachexia, muscular dystrophies, and ALS. This signaling pathway, involving the noncanonical NFκB and NFκB-inducing kinase (NIK), not only accelerates muscle atrophy and insulin resistance but also presents a promising target for therapeutic intervention. The article highlights the potential of targeting the EDA2R–NIK axis to combat muscle loss and improve metabolic functions, offering new hope for treatments that could revolutionize care for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.

Last weekend, we had a wonderful gathering for science and friendship. The SK Lab from Koç University and Doğan Lab from Boğaziçi University came together at Windsor Hotel for a retreat. 🌟 We were reminded of the power of knowledge sharing and collaboration.

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TÜBİTAK) announced the recipients of the “2023 100th Anniversary TÜBİTAK Science, Encouragement, Service and Special Awards”.  Asst. Prof. Serkan Kır was given the 100th Anniversary TÜBİTAK Incentive Award for his “outstanding international studies on energy metabolism, cancer cachexia and skeletal muscle loss in the field of molecular and cellular biology.”

We are delighted to share the wonderful news that our esteemed lab member, Aylin, has recently celebrated her wedding, marking a beautiful milestone in her life journey. Aylin has been an invaluable part of our scientific community, and her wedding is a testament to the love and commitment she has found. As we reflect on this special moment in Aylin’s life, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to her and her partner as they embark on this new chapter together. May their marriage be filled with enduring happiness, love, and countless cherished memories.

We are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest review article titled “Muscle Wasting: Emerging Pathways and Potential Drug Targets” in the prestigious Trends in Pharmacological Sciences journal. Our review article has been prominently featured on the cover of Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, highlighting its significance and impact in the field.  In this comprehensive review, we delve into the critical issue of muscle wasting, a pervasive comorbidity linked to various disorders such as cancer, kidney disease, heart failure, and aging. The debilitating loss of skeletal muscle mass not only profoundly impacts prognosis and survival but also significantly diminishes the quality of life, often manifesting as frailty. Despite dedicated clinical trials aimed at combating muscle wasting, the results have been disappointingly limited, with some treatments showing improvements in muscle mass but failing to translate into noticeable enhancements in physical performance.

During a live broadcast on TRT News, Dr. Serkan Kır unveiled the details of our latest groundbreaking project, captivating audiences with insights into the reasearch’s far-reaching implications.

We pridefully celebrate Şevval Nur Bilgiç’s successful defense of her Ph.D. thesis. Best of luck on this exciting journey ahead!

Serkan Kır and his team conducted a 6-year study addressing the prevention of weight and muscle loss associated with cancer, particularly in advanced stages. They identified that the “EDA2R” gene and “NIK” enzyme contribute to this loss, and by deactivating them, weight and muscle loss can be mitigated. Published in “Nature,” their research sheds light on mechanisms triggering muscle atrophy, holding promise for future treatments. Dr. Kır highlighted how cachexia affects patients’ quality of life and responses to treatments, stressing the need for drug development. The research was carried out over 6 years with the participation of a 7-person team, involving cancer patient tissue samples and genetically modified mice, revealing key insights into the mechanisms. The findings are expected to inspire further studies, extending beyond cancer to age-related muscle loss and other conditions, offering potential medical breakthroughs.