On Friday, 24 January 2025, the Horizon Europe-funded GEMSTONE Project and Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University’s (ACU) Neuroscience PhD Programme proudly hosted a seminar led by Asst. Prof. Busra Sengul Yediel from the Neuroimmunology Department at Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa’s Institute of Neurological Sciences. The event, held at ACU’s Kerem Aydinlar Campus, delved into groundbreaking research on the pivotal role of astrocytes in neurodegenerative diseases.
Titled “Effects of Alpha-Synuclein and Amyloid Beta on Growth Factors and Inflammatory Parameters in Human Astrocytes,” the seminar provided invaluable insights into how astrocytes – key support cells in the central nervous system – respond to neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dr. Sengul Yediel shared compelling findings from her study, which examined the effects of amyloid beta (Aβ) and α-synuclein on the production of growth factors and inflammatory responses in human astrocyte cultures.
Her research demonstrated significant alterations in astrocyte profiles following Aβ1-42 treatment and α-synuclein overexpression, identifying key inflammatory mediators and growth factors that could serve as potential therapeutic targets. The study highlighted the dual role of reactive astrocytes – both as protectors and contributors to pathological processes – in neurodegenerative diseases.
Asst. Prof. Busra Sengul Yediel is a distinguished scholar in molecular neuroimmunology. After earning her undergraduate degree in biology from Istanbul University in 2014, she completed her Master’s degree in medical biology in 2017 and was awarded her PhD in 2023. Currently an assistant professor in the Department of Neuroimmunology at Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Dr. Sengul Yediel specializes in primary human astrocyte culture, neuron-astrocyte co-culture, cell-based assays, and RNA/protein analyses, including immunoprecipitation.
A platform for knowledge exchange
Started with the introduction of Dr. Sengul Yediel by GEMSTONE Principal Investigar Prof. Filiz Onat, the seminar attracted over 20 participants, including PhD students, early-career researchers, and senior academics from ACU and other prominent institutions such as Istanbul University, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Istanbul Technical University, and Health Sciences University. Attendees actively engaged in vibrant discussions, exchanging expertise on methodologies, materials, and equipment, as well as exploring potential funding sources and collaborative opportunities.
In line with GEMSTONE’s mission to foster knowledge transfer and capacity building, the seminar provided a collaborative platform for researchers to share updates on cutting-edge techniques and ongoing projects in neuroscience. Participants emphasized the critical need for interdisciplinary partnerships and expressed strong interest in future collaborations. The seminar concluded on a poignant note, commemorating the lives lost in the recent fire disaster at a ski resort in Bolu, Turkey.
About GEMSTONE
The GEMSTONE Project (“Genetically engineering Experimental Models: enhancement of Scientific and Technological excellence and innOvation potential to study NEurodevelopmental diseases”) is a Horizon Europe-funded initiative led by ACU. The project is dedicated to enhancing ACU’s research and innovation capacity in gene engineering technologies and neuroscience, with a focus on neurodevelopmental brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. By collaborating with Lund University and ICONS, GEMSTONE aims to elevate ACU’s global competitiveness and visibility in neuroscience.
Stay tuned for more updates on GEMSTONE’s activities and future events on our website and social media channels.