Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melike Ersöz | Cancer Biology | Best Researcher Award 

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, at Demiroğlu Bilim University, Turkey.

Assoc. Prof. Melike Ersöz is a distinguished molecular biologist and biochemist specializing in nanomedicine, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and cancer research. Currently serving at Demiroğlu Bilim University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, she has over two decades of academic and research experience. Her scientific journey spans stem cell differentiation, nanoparticle-based drug delivery, and the biochemical pathways of cancer progression. She earned her reputation as a dedicated researcher through her innovative studies on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into hepatocytes, toxicity and anti-cancer mechanisms of nanoparticles, and bioactive compounds’ apoptotic effects on cancer cells. With numerous publications in internationally indexed journals, she contributes significantly to molecular oncology and nanotechnology-based therapies. Melike Ersöz is also an active mentor, supervising theses on novel cancer treatments and nanoparticle-mediated therapies. Her outstanding achievements have earned her several honors, including prestigious fellowships and awards for oral presentations at leading scientific congresses. 🌟

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Melike Ersöz holds a PhD in Biochemistry (2014) from Yıldız Technical University, where she researched the optimization of cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Adil Allahverdiyev. She completed her Master’s in Bioengineering (2007) at the same university, investigating polyacrylic acid toxicity in cancer and fibroblast cells. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Istanbul University Faculty of Science (2003), solidifying her foundation in molecular and cellular sciences. To further expand her multidisciplinary expertise, she completed a Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety (2022) at the University of Health Sciences and pursued Associate Degrees in Law (Justice Program) at Anadolu University (2020) and Medical Laboratory Techniques at Istanbul University (1997). This diverse academic portfolio enabled her to bridge the gap between molecular research, health sciences, and safety regulations, enriching her approach to biomedical innovations. 🎓📚

💼 Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Ersöz began her academic career as a Lecturer in 2008 at Istanbul Bilim University, where she taught medical laboratory sciences and molecular techniques. In 2014, she was promoted to Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, contributing significantly to molecular cancer research. By 2022, she achieved the Associate Professor title at Demiroğlu Bilim University, demonstrating her academic leadership and research excellence. She also served as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Head of the Medical Laboratory Techniques Program, shaping educational policies and guiding future scientists. She has managed and participated in several TUBITAK-funded projects and higher education-supported research on nanoparticle drug delivery, cancer apoptosis, and oxidative stress mechanisms. As a mentor, she supervised multiple MSc theses on glioma cell therapy and antioxidant studies. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she has advanced nanotechnology applications in molecular medicine. 🧬🔬

🔍 Research Interests

Melike Ersöz’s research lies at the intersection of molecular oncology, nanomedicine, and biochemical therapeutics. Her primary focus is the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and antioxidant effects of bioactive compounds and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems on cancer cells, particularly gliomas and breast cancer. She explores how polyphenols (quercetin, sinapic acid, hesperetin) and natural extracts like green tea and Turkish coffee induce apoptosis through pathways such as JNK, p38, and ER stress. Additionally, she investigates epigenetic modulation, gene methylation profiles (e.g., KLF4 in diabetic nephropathy), and heat shock protein expression in cancer models. Her expertise extends to stem cell differentiation into hepatocytes for regenerative medicine applications. By integrating molecular biology, biochemistry, and nanotechnology, she aims to develop targeted, less toxic cancer therapies. Her translational research contributes to precision medicine, improving understanding of oxidative stress, apoptosis signaling, and drug resistance in cancer therapy. 🌱🧪

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Assoc. Prof. Ersöz has received several prestigious awards for her groundbreaking research. In 2018, she was awarded a Scholarship from FEBS (Federation of European Biochemical Societies) in the Czech Republic, recognizing her innovative cancer therapy studies. She earned the Oral Presentation Second Prize at the 38th Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases Congress & 2nd National Lipid Symposium (2016) for her outstanding research on metabolic diseases. In 2014, she received full Congress Registration Support for the 22nd International Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC WorldLab) and the 26th National Congress of the Turkish Biochemical Society, reflecting her contribution to the global biochemical community. Her recognition extends beyond awards—her publications are widely cited, influencing molecular oncology and nanomedicine fields. Through her research leadership, she continues to inspire young scientists and contribute to national and international collaborative projects. 🏅🌍

📚 Top Noted Publications 

Melike Ersöz has authored 25+ high-impact international journal articles focusing on cancer apoptosis, nanotechnology, and antioxidant mechanisms. Her notable works include studies on quercetin-loaded nanoparticles in glioma therapy, sinapic-acid-based nanoformulations, and the methylation profile of KLF4 in diabetic nephropathy. She has explored how polyacrylic acid, boric acid-treated green tea, and Turkish coffee extracts induce apoptosis in glioma and breast cancer models. Her articles appear in prestigious journals such as ACS Omega, Archives of Medical Research, Environmental Toxicology, and Pharmaceutical Development and Technology. Additionally, she contributed to TUBITAK-funded projects on cancer cell oxidative stress and supervised multiple MSc theses on nanoparticle therapeutics. She actively presents her research at international conferences, including the International Congress of Multidisciplinary Studies in Medical Sciences. Her work integrates molecular biology, nanomedicine, and natural bioactive compounds to advance precision oncology. 🔗📖

🔗 Selected Publications with Links & Citations

1️⃣ Occupational Health and Safety in a Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility Using Industry 4.0 Technologies

Demir, Ersöz, Özcan & Demir – Frontiers in Life Sciences and Related Technologies

• Published: December 30, 2024 (accepted Oct 19, 2024) in Frontiers in Life Sciences and Related Technologies, Volume 5(3) pubs.acs.org+4dergipark.org.tr+4dergipark.org.tr+4

• DOI: 10.51753/flsrt.1498808

• Highlights:

  • Applied Fine Kinney risk analysis to assess 68 critical hazards in a hazardous waste plant.

  • Integration of Industry 4.0 tools (e.g., IoT sensors, real-time monitoring, semi-automated robotics) to reduce direct worker exposure.

  • Demonstrated how automation mitigates accident risks and enhances compliance with OHS standards.

2️⃣ Sinapic-Acid-Loaded Nanoparticles: Cytotoxic, Antiapoptotic, Antioxidant Activity

Poyraz, Akbaş, Duranoğlu, Acar, Mansuroğlu & Ersöz – ACS Omega

• Published: September 17, 2024; ACS Omega 2024, 9, 39, 40329–40345 dergipark.org.tr+2dergipark.org.tr+2dergipark.org.tr+2dergipark.org.tr+2dergipark.org.tr+2dergipark.org.tr+2arxiv.orgpubs.acs.org+1pubs.acs.org+1

• DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00216

• Key Terms: 170 nm PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating sinapic acid (SaNPs), optimized via experimental design.

• Core Findings:

  • SaNPs displayed IC₅₀ in MCF‑7 cells at ~180 µg/mL (24 h), ~168 µg/mL (48 h), ~145 µg/mL (72 h).

  • No significant toxicity in healthy MCF‑10A cells at these concentrations.

  • Mechanisms of action: decreased PCNA expression, increased apoptosis (TUNEL), raised MDA levels, decreased SOD activity, increased GSH and catalase, and elevated caspase‑3 activation.

3️⃣ Turkish Coffee Induces Apoptosis in Glioma Cells

• Journal: Sigma Journal of Engineering and Natural Sciences, 2024

• Overview: Reported that bioactive compounds in Turkish coffee trigger apoptotic mechanisms in glioma cells. Frequently cited in natural-product apoptosis research, though full bibliographic details are sparse in mainstream indexing sources.

4️⃣ Gallic Acid Effects on Glioma Cells via p38/JNK Pathway

• Pak. J. Pharm. Sci., 2023

• Summary: Demonstrated induction of apoptosis in glioma cells through activation of the p38/JNK signaling cascade, making it a referenced mechanism in cancer pathway studies.

5️⃣ Polyacrylic Acid Toxicity in Cancer Cell Lines

• The EuroBiotech Journal, 2021

• Focus: Investigated cytotoxic impacts of polyacrylic acid (PAA), commonly used in biomedical applications, on various cancer cell lines. Heavily cited in biomaterial safety/toxicity literature.

6️⃣ Quercetin-Loaded Nanoparticles Enhance Glioma Cytotoxicity

• Pharmaceutical Development & Technology, 2020

• Significance: One of the earlier studies showing that quercetin-loaded nanocarriers significantly increase cytotoxicity toward glioma cells—pivotal in establishing nanodelivery strategies for brain tumor therapy.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Melike Ersöz is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Her research portfolio demonstrates depth (cancer biology, stem cells, nanotechnology) and breadth (occupational health, antioxidants, epigenetics) with a clear translational focus. She has contributed significantly to scientific knowledge, mentored young researchers, and taken leadership roles in academia.