Research Subjects

Our research activities are built upon a strong background in virology, microbiology, and molecular genetics, with a particular focus on virus biology, host-pathogen interactions, and applied biotechnology. The group has contributed to numerous national research projects and international scientific publications in these fields.

To present our work in a structured manner, our research is organized into the following thematic areas:

1. Insect Viruses and Entomopoxvirus Biology

A major focus of our research is the molecular and functional characterization of insect viruses, particularly Amsacta moorei entomopoxvirus (AMEV). Studies in this area include:

• Functional analysis of viral protein kinases
• Characterization of viral enzymes such as glycosyltransferases
• Functional analysis of the viral apoptosis gene
• Investigation of virus entry, attachment, and fusion mechanisms

These studies are supported by multiple research projects focusing on AMEV gene functions and virus-host interactions.

2. Viral Gene Function and Protein Interaction Studies

Our group conducts advanced molecular analyses to understand viral gene expression and protein functions:

• Functional genomics and gene silencing approaches
• Works on protein-protein interactions in viral systems
• Transcriptomic and expression analyses of viral genes
• Characterization of viral proteins with enzymatic activity

These studies provide insight into viral replication, regulation, and pathogenicity mechanisms.

3. Virus–Host Interaction Mechanisms

Understanding how viruses interact with their hosts is central to our research:

• Molecular mechanisms of host infection and immune response
• Identification of host targets of viral proteins
• Analysis of cytotoxic and cellular responses
• Investigation of host adaptation and viral evolution

These approaches support both basic virology and translational applications.

4. Recombinant Protein Expression and Vaccine Development

We develop recombinant systems for both research and applied purposes:

• Expression of viral proteins using baculovirus and other systems
• Development of vaccine candidates (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 proteins, bee viruses)
• Immunogenicity and efficacy studies in model systems

These studies contribute to both human and veterinary virology applications.

5. Biological Control and Insect Pathogens

Our group actively investigates biological alternatives to chemical pest control:

• Use of insect viruses as bioinsecticides
• Enhancement of insecticidal activity through genetic modification
• Characterization of pathogen-host specificity
• Development of environmentally sustainable pest control strategies

These studies are directly linked to agricultural biotechnology applications.

6. Translational Research: Cancer and Antimicrobial Applications

Beyond classical virology, our research extends into biomedical applications:

• Oncolytic virotherapy approaches
• Cancer gene therapy strategies
• Investigation of cytotoxic effects of biological compounds
• Antimicrobial properties of natural and synthetic biomaterials

Recent studies also explore the effects of environmental factors on cellular toxicity and biological systems.

7. Funded Projects and Scientific Output

Our research group has been involved in numerous funded projects, including:

• TÜBİTAK-supported research on viral gene functions and host interactions
• Vaccine development studies (e.g., bee viruses, pestiviruses)
• Functional analysis of AMEV genes and proteins
• Studies on insecticidal viral mechanisms

To date, the group has contributed to 80+ scientific publications and multiple national research projects, demonstrating a strong and sustained research output.