Functional Cancer Genomics
Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Şerif ŞENTÜRK
The Şentürk Functional Cancer Genomics Laboratory aims to decipher fundamental mechanisms of cancer biology using functional genetic approaches. Through CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic screens, genome editing, and target validation strategies, the lab investigates genetic and epigenetic networks involved in cancer cell survival, aggressive phenotypes, and therapy resistance. In addition to cell-based functional assays, our studies integrate advanced model systems, including organoids and animal models. These efforts aim to identify novel therapeutic targets and contribute to the development of personalized medicine. Our lab fosters interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative research projects.
Publications
Dayanc B, Eris S, Gulfirat NE, Ozden-Yilmaz G, Cakiroglu E, Coskun Deniz OS, Karakülah G, Erkek-Ozhan S, Senturk S. Integrative multi-omics identifies AP-1 transcription factor as a targetable mediator of acquired osimertinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Death & Disease. 2025 May 25;16(1):1-7. doi: 10.1038/s41419-025-07711-z.
Guler Kara H, Dogan E, Bozok V, Aktan C, Cakiroglu E, Eroglu Z, Aygunes Jafari D, Korkmaz KS, Senturk S, Kosova B. The G protein‐coupled receptor GPR 89 A is a novel potential therapeutic target to overcome cisplatin resistance in NSCLC Calu1 cells. The FEBS Journal. 2025 Apr 21. doi: 10.1111/febs.70099.
Cakiroglu E, Eris S, Oz O, Karakülah G, Senturk S. Genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies BUB1 kinase as a druggable vulnerability in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cell Death & Disease. 2025 Apr 3;16(1):241. doi:10.1038/s41419-025-07587-z.
Kalyoncu M, Demirci D, Eris S, Dayanc B, Cakiroglu E, Basol M, Uysal M, Cakan-Akdogan G, Liu F, Ozturk M, Karakülah G, Senturk S. Escape from TGF-β-induced senescence promotes aggressive hallmarks in epithelial hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Oncol. 2025 Mar 14. doi:10.1002/1878-0261.70021.
Akdemir B, Gungor MZ, Senturk S. RUVBL1/2 Complex in Cancer: Emerging Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities, Interdisciplinary Cancer Research (pp.1-24), Londrina: Springer, Cham.
Projects
TÜBİTAK 2247-A: Development of an Organoid-Based Bladder Cancer Preclinical Platform and Evaluation of the RUVBL1/2 Complex as a Potential Novel Therapeutic Target — Ongoing
DEÜ-BAP-ADEP: Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the Epiregulome in Bladder Cancer: Epigenetic Drug Screening and Molecular Insights in an Organoid Model — Ongoing
DEÜ-BAP-ADEP: Investigation of Translational and Preclinical Efficacy of a Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Chip-on-Tumoroid Model through BUB1 and RUVBL1 Inhibition — Ongoing
TÜBİTAK-1001: Role of the RUVBL1/2 Complex in Bladder Cancer: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Effects — Ongoing
TÜBİTAK-1001: Osimertinib Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Roles of FOSL1 and JUN Transcription Factors and Their Synthetic Lethal Interactions — Ongoing
TÜSEB: Investigation of the Molecular Role of the BUB1 Gene in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma — Completed
TÜBİTAK-1002: Investigation of the Molecular Role of the RUVBL1 Gene in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma — Completed
DEÜ-BAP: Systematic Comparison of Constitutive Promoters in Long-Term Stable CHO-DG44 Cell Cultures — Completed
TÜBİTAK-2501 NSF: Investigation of the Roles of Epigenetic and Transcriptional Factors in Acquired Resistance to First-Line Osimertinib Therapy in EGFR-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer — Completed
TÜBİTAK-3001: Investigation of Anti-Senescence Resistance Mechanisms Induced by TGF-β in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Whole Genome Transcriptome Analysis — Completed
TÜBİTAK-3501: Systematic Interrogation, Elucidation, and Molecular Characterization of Essential Genes and Cellular Pathways Involved in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Development Using CRISPR/Cas9-Driven Genome-Wide Negative Selection Screening — Completed
Staff
Active Members
Dr. Ece Çakıroğlu (Postdoctoral Researcher)
Dr. Fazel Gorjipour (Postdoctoral Researcher)
MSc. Sude Eriş (PhD Student)
MSc. Nazlıcan Kaygusuz (PhD Student)
MSc. Serra Şener (PhD Student)
Buse Akdemir (MSc Student)
Nazife Ege Gülfırat (MSc Student)
Ebru Kırmızıay (MSc Student)
Tunç Ünal (MSc Student)
Minenur Öztürk (Researcher)
Former Members
Nur Bozbey (2023–2024) (Visiting Researcher)
Deniz Ulaş Öztürk (February–August 2024) (TÜBİTAK STAR Fellow)
Melikşah Dündar (February–August 2024) (TÜBİTAK STAR Fellow)
Sude Eriş (2021–2024) — MSc Student
Ahmet Yılmaz Asil (September–December 2024) (TÜBİTAK STAR Fellow)
Esat Gençtürk (September–December 2024) (TÜBİTAK STAR Fellow)
Ali Can Kurtul (September–December 2024) (TÜBİTAK STAR Fellow)
Bengisu Uluata Dayanç (2019–2025) (PhD Student)
Deniz Onan (January–August 2024) (Visiting Researcher)
Ayşenaz Akkaya (2022–2025) (MD-PhD)
