ACU researchers and international experts gathered to strengthen gene engineering and translational neuroscience capabilities despite recent earthquake challenges.
As part of its ongoing efforts to build research capacity and foster international scientific exchange, the GEMSTONE Project organized a specialized capacity-building workshop titled “Studies with Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and the Benefits of In Vitro Fertilization Applications.” Held on Thursday, 24 April 2025, at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University (ACU), the event drew the participation of leading experts, faculty, students, and researchers.
Despite the major earthquake in Istanbul the day before, the GEMSTONE team swiftly adapted by offering the workshop in a hybrid format, welcoming 19 in-person and 11 online participants.
Morning session: Exclusive practical consultation for GEMSTONE team
The morning activities were hosted at ACU’s animal facility DEHAM and were reserved exclusively for the GEMSTONE Project team. In a highly interactive and hands-on setting, Assoc. Prof. Ali Cihan Taskin (Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University) provided comprehensive guidance on critical aspects of laboratory practices including:
- Evaluation of infrastructure and consumables: Review and optimization of IVF laboratory equipment and media compositions.
- Fertilization stages and techniques: Consultation on sperm and oocyte preparation, embryo freezing methods, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
- Experimental IVF trials: Assessment of previous IVF experiments and preparation for future studies.
- Embryo transfer techniques: Practical insights into surgical and non-surgical embryo transfer methods.
This session marked a crucial step forward in strengthening ACU’s practical capabilities in assisted reproductive technologies for genetically engineered mouse models.
Afternoon session: Open workshop with renowned guest speakers
The afternoon sessions welcomed broader participation from ACU’s scientific community, featuring keynote presentations and lively discussions.
Prof. Filiz Onat, Principal Investigator of the GEMSTONE Project, opened the workshop by introducing the project and emphasizing the strategic importance of enhancing translational neuroscience research capacity at ACU.
Following Assoc. Prof. Kasim Diril’s (Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University) presentation, titled “Development of Genetically Engineered Mouse Models by CRISPR Genome Editing in Embryos,” Assoc. Prof. Ali Cihan Taskin (Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University) delivered his presentation on “Manipulating the Mouse Embryo.” Both presentations were moderated by Prof. Batu Erman (ACU).
Following a brief coffee break, the sessions continued with an international contribution. Through online connection with the GEMSTONE Project partner Lund University (ULUND), Dr. Thomas Blom (Transgenic Core Facility, ULUND) made the presentation, titled “Take-Home Experiences from Designing and Constructing a Multi-Functional, Multi-Hygiene Animal Facility,” moderated by Prof. Filiz Onat (ACU).
The day concluded with a comprehensive session dedicated to evaluation and closing remarks.
Interactive discussions and future collaboration
Participants had the opportunity to engage in vibrant discussions with the guest speakers throughout the event. In a special highlight of the day, Prof. Onat presented an overview of current IVF applications at DEHAM. Following Dr. Blom’s presentation, DEHAM researchers posed detailed questions about IVF trials, fostering immediate knowledge exchange with ULUND experts through a live connection.
At the closing session, both participants and trainers expressed a strong interest in continuing and deepening collaboration opportunities.
About the guest trainers
- Assoc. Prof. Kasim Diril: Head of the Gene Targeting and Transgenic Models Platform at Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), with international training in Germany and Singapore, specializing in genetically modified mouse models and cancer research.
- Assoc. Prof. Ali Cihan Taskin: Veterinary scientist and embryology expert, founder of Embryosphere Biotechnology, and a key figure in laboratory animal embryology and assisted reproductive technologies in Turkey.
- Dr. Thomas Blom: Vice-Director at the Center for Comparative Medicine at ULUND, Sweden, with decades of expertise in transgenic animal model development and animal facility management.
A milestone for GEMSTONE Project
The success of this workshop represents a significant milestone in achieving the GEMSTONE Project’s objectives to advance ACU’s expertise in gene engineering technologies, promote international collaboration, and strengthen translational neuroscience research capacity.
Stay tuned for more GEMSTONE events and updates as we continue building a stronger, globally connected research environment at ACU.