Havva Ortabozkoyun | Gene Regulation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Havva Ortabozkoyun | Gene Regulation | Best Researcher Award

University of Miami Miller School of Medical / Sylvester Cancer Center | United States

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🧬 Havva Ortabozkoyun-Kara, PhD: Pioneering Epigenetics and Cancer Biology Researcher

🧑‍🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Havva Ortabozkoyun-Kara, PhD, embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey. Graduating with a stellar GPA of 3.80/4.00 in 2010, she demonstrated early on her dedication to understanding complex biological systems. Her education continued at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, where she pursued a Master of Science in Cancer Genomics and Developmental Biology. With a perfect GPA of 4.00/4.00, she excelled in this program, setting a strong foundation for her future research in cancer biology. Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara then achieved her PhD in Stem Cell Biology from New York University (NYU), where she graduated with a GPA of 3.89/4.00. During her doctoral studies, she delved into stem cell and developmental biology, further refining her focus on the mechanisms that drive cellular diversity and disease processes.

🧑‍🔬 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara’s professional journey is marked by her extensive research experience in some of the most prestigious laboratories in the world. She began as a rotation student in the lab of Iannis Aifantis at NYU, where she explored the role of the ubiquitin system in cancer and stem cell function. Her doctoral research, conducted in the lab of Danny Reinberg at NYU School of Medicine, involved pioneering work on the insulation function of CTCF and the characterization of Polycomb Repressive Complex (PRC1) during differentiation. After completing her PhD, she continued her research as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Reinberg Lab, focusing on gene regulation and the role of MAZ, CTCF, and other factors in disease processes. Currently, she holds a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she is studying novel insulation factors on gene regulation during developmental and disease processes.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON GENE REGULATION

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara’s research has significantly advanced our understanding of epigenetics, stem cell biology, and cancer biology. Her work has centered on the intricate mechanisms of gene regulation, particularly the insulation functions that control the expression of Hox genes during development and in disease states. Through innovative CRISPR genetic screens and biochemical assays, she has identified key factors that cooperate with CTCF in these processes. Her research on the differences in Polycomb Repressive Complex composition during cellular differentiation has provided new insights into how these complexes contribute to the regulation of gene expression.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara’s contributions to the fields of epigenetics and stem cell biology have had a profound impact on our understanding of how genetic and biochemical mechanisms lead to cellular diversity and disease. Her findings on the role of insulation factors in gene regulation have opened new avenues for research in developmental biology and cancer, influencing the direction of studies in these fields. Her expertise is recognized internationally, and she continues to collaborate with leading scientists to push the boundaries of what we know about gene regulation and its implications for human health.

📚 ACADEMIC CITATIONS

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara’s work has been widely cited in the academic community, reflecting the importance of her contributions to the scientific understanding of gene regulation. Her publications in high-impact journals are frequently referenced by other researchers in the fields of molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry. These citations underscore the relevance of her work to ongoing research and its potential to inform new therapeutic approaches for diseases linked to epigenetic regulation.

🏆 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara continues her research at the University of Miami, her legacy is one of innovation and discovery. Her future contributions are expected to further illuminate the complex mechanisms of gene regulation and their role in development and disease. With her deep expertise in epigenetics and stem cell biology, she is poised to make significant advances in the understanding and treatment of diseases driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Her work will undoubtedly continue to influence the fields of molecular biology and genetics for years to come, inspiring future generations of scientists.

💡 INNOVATIVE APPROACHES

Dr. Ortabozkoyun-Kara is known for her creative and methodical approaches to scientific research. She has developed novel genetic and biochemical methods that have expanded the toolkit available to researchers studying epigenetic mechanisms. Her work not only provides critical insights but also equips the scientific community with new strategies for investigating and manipulating gene expression in various biological contexts.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

"CRISPR and biochemical screens identify MAZ as a cofactor in CTCF-mediated insulation at Hox clusters" 

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun, Pin-Yao Huang, Hyunwoo Cho, Varun Narendra, Gary LeRoy, Edgar Gonzalez-Buendia, Jane A Skok, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Esteban O Mazzoni, Danny Reinberg
  • Journal: Nature Genetics
  • Year: 2022

"A CRISPR Screen Identifies Myc-associated Zinc Finger Protein (MAZ) as an Insulator Functioning at CTCF boundaries in Hox Clusters" 

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun-Kara, Pin-Yao Huang, Hyunwoo Cho, Varun Narendra, Gary Leroy, Jane A. Skok, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Esteban O. Mazzoni, Danny Reinberg
  • Journal: BioRxiv
  • Year: 2020

"Members of an array of zinc finger proteins specify distinct Hox chromatin boundaries"

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun, Pin-Yao Huang, Edgar Gonzalez-Buendia, Hyein Cho, Sang Kim, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Esteban Mazzoni, Danny Reinberg
  • Journal: bioRxiv
  • Year: 2023

"Members of a Family of Zinc Finger Proteins Demarcate Chromatin Boundaries at Hox Clusters during Development, Ortabozkoyun et. al"

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun, Pin-Yao Huang, Edgar Gonzalez-Buendia, Hyunwoo Cho, Sang Y Kim, Aristotelis Tsirigos, Esteban O Mazzoni, Danny Reinberg
  • Journal: Mendeley Data
  • Year: 2024

"Novel chromatin insulating activities uncovered upon eliminating known insulators in vivo"

  • Authors: Havva Ortabozkoyun, P. Huang, H. Cho, E. Mazzoni, A. Tsirigos, D. Reinberg
  • Year: 2023

Zafran Khan | Tuberculosis Researcher | Editorial Board Member

Mr. Zafran Khan | Tuberculosis | Editorial Board Member

University of Calgary | Pakisthan

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EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS:

ZAFRAN KHAN initiated his academic journey at the University of Swat (UOS) in Swat, Pakistan, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Microbiology from 2012 to 2016. During this period, he conducted research on the "Incidence of HCV in the general population of District Swat, Pakistan," showcasing an early interest in infectious diseases and molecular biology.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:

Following his undergraduate studies, ZAFRAN KHAN ventured into higher education at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in Beijing, China. Here, he enrolled as a Master student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from September 2018 to August 2019. His coursework covered diverse topics, including Genomics, Immunology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, laying a solid foundation for his subsequent research pursuits.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON TUBERCULOSIS

ZAFRAN KHAN's notable research contributions are evident during his tenure as a Master's Full-time Research Candidate at the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Disease (GIBH) in Guangzhou, China, from August 2019 to August 2021. His primary research focus encompassed Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance mechanisms, novel drug targets, docking, molecular dynamic simulation, and vaccine and drug designing. Noteworthy projects include the identification of resistance mechanisms associated with prothionamide and amikacin in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE:

ZAFRAN KHAN's work holds significant implications for understanding and combating tuberculosis, a global health concern. His efforts in exploring unexplored resistance mechanisms and conducting molecular detection of anti-tubercular resistance in clinical isolates contribute to the broader scientific community's knowledge base. The impact of his research extends beyond borders, as evidenced by his involvement in international conferences and workshops.

ACADEMIC CITES:

ZAFRAN KHAN's academic journey is marked by a commitment to excellence, exemplified by his active participation in international conferences and workshops. This exposure has likely contributed to his knowledge enrichment and the incorporation of global perspectives into his research.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS:

ZAFRAN KHAN has established a legacy of dedication and proficiency in the field of Microbiology and Molecular Biology. His early research on HCV in Swat and subsequent work on tuberculosis resistance mechanisms showcase a commitment to addressing critical health challenges. As he progresses in his academic and research journey, ZAFRAN KHAN is poised to make further contributions to the scientific community, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of infectious diseases and immunity.

Notable Publications

Guillain-Barre syndrome: An autoimmune disorder post-COVID-19 vaccination?  2022(9)

Cold stress-induced seed germination and biosynthesis of polyphenolics content in medicinally important Brassica rapa 2022(8)

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell structure, its manufacturing, and related toxicities; a comprehensive review 2022(7)