Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehveş PODA | Neurogenetics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehveş PODA, Istanbul University, Aziz Sancar Inst. of Experimental Medicine, Genetic Department, Turkey.

The individual is a highly accomplished geneticist with a strong academic foundation, beginning with a BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Boğaziçi University, followed by an MSc and PhD in Medical Genetics from Istanbul University. Her professional career has been anchored at the prestigious Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, where she currently serves as an Assistant Professor. Her research spans rare genetic diseases, gene expression in pancreatic cancer, neuromuscular disorders, and third-generation sequencing technologies. With over 70 publications and an H-index of up to 8, she has significantly contributed to molecular genetics and clinical applications, earning citations and respect within the scientific community. Her multilingual abilities, project management certification, and involvement in genetic epidemiology further enhance her impact in both research and education.

Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

From the outset, a passion for genetics and molecular biology defined her academic journey. She earned her BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Boğaziçi University in 1993, a highly respected institution that laid a strong foundation in life sciences. Her keen interest in hereditary conditions led her to pursue an MSc in Medical Genetics at Istanbul University, where her 1996 thesis focused on understanding the genetic roots of spinal muscular atrophies within the Turkish population. This early research experience not only honed her skills in molecular diagnostics but also ignited her commitment to uncovering the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases. She further advanced her academic career by completing a PhD in Medical Genetics at the same university in 2004, where her dissertation revolved around pioneering techniques to detect mRNA in vertebrate tissue via in situ hybridization.

🧬 Professional Endeavors in Genetics

Since 2018, she has served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University. In this role, she has combined her deep expertise in medical genetics with teaching and mentorship responsibilities, fostering the next generation of scientists. Her academic presence in one of Turkey’s leading research institutes reflects both her commitment and her contributions to the broader scientific community. She also holds a European Certification in Project Management within EU Framework Programs (ECQA), which has enabled her to effectively lead and manage research projects aligned with global scientific standards.

🔬 Research Focus and Scientific Contributions

Her research encompasses a rich spectrum of topics, primarily centered around rare genetic disorders and the molecular intricacies of disease. She is particularly noted for her investigations into the molecular basis of rare genetic diseases and neuromuscular disorders, where she has explored genotype-phenotype correlations that enhance clinical diagnostics. Her work in gene expression regulation in pancreatic cancer has contributed to a deeper understanding of tumor biology, with implications for targeted therapies. She is also exploring third-generation sequencing technologies, particularly Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), to facilitate real-time genomic insights. Her studies in genetic epidemiology and metabolic syndrome reflect a broader public health relevance, bridging the gap between molecular findings and population-level outcomes.

📚 Academic Impact and Publication Record

With 71 peer-reviewed publications to her name, her scholarly output is both prolific and impactful. She has accumulated 196 citations on Web of Science and 218 on Scopus, reflecting the influence of her work across multiple scientific domains. Her H-index of 7 (WoS) and 8 (Scopus) signifies consistent scholarly engagement and recognition in the academic community. These metrics underscore her role as a key contributor in advancing genetic science in Turkey and beyond.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While her work speaks volumes on its own, her achievements have been formally acknowledged through appointments and certifications that reinforce her leadership in the field. Her certification in EU project management is a testament to her administrative capabilities, enabling her to steer large-scale, interdisciplinary research initiatives. Her continued academic appointment at Istanbul University’s prestigious Aziz Sancar Institute places her among the foremost experts in experimental medical genetics in the region.

🌍 Influence in Scientific and Educational Circles

She is not only a researcher but also a skilled educator and communicator of science. Her bilingual proficiency in English and German, in addition to her native Turkish, has allowed her to build international collaborations and contribute to global scientific dialogues. Through teaching, supervision, and participation in multinational projects, she has influenced a broad audience—from medical students to advanced researchers—instilling in them a rigorous approach to genetic investigation and ethical science.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, her work in emerging sequencing technologies and personalized medicine positions her at the forefront of next-generation medical breakthroughs. As the landscape of genomics rapidly evolves, her role in shaping diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for rare and complex diseases will likely become even more prominent. Her trajectory suggests a legacy not only of scientific achievement but of mentorship, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of medical knowledge that bridges lab findings with real-world patient care.

Publication

• Natural history of SMA IIIb: muscle strength decreases in a predictable sequence and magnitude – F Deymeer, P Serdaroglu, Y Parman, M Poda – 2008

• Mapping of the second Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDAff2) locus to chromosome 9p23-p11: evidence for further locus heterogeneity – K Christodoulou, F Deymeer, P Serdaroğlu, C Özdemir, M Poda, … – 2001

• Gender-modulated impact of apolipoprotein A5 gene (APOA5)−1131T>C and c.56C>G polymorphisms on lipids, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in Turkish adults – E Komurcu-Bayrak, A Onat, M Poda, SE Humphries, J Palmen, F Guclu, … – 2008

• The S447X variant of lipoprotein lipase gene is associated with metabolic syndrome and lipid levels among Turks – E Komurcu-Bayrak, A Onat, M Poda, SE Humphries, J Acharya, … – 2007

• Segmental distribution of muscle weakness in SMA III: implications for deterioration in muscle strength with time – F Deymeer, P Serdaroğlu, M Poda, Y Gülşen-Parman, T Özçelık, … – 1997

• Genotypic and phenotypic presentation of transthyretin-related familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) in Turkey – H Durmuş-Tekçe, Z Matur, MM Atmaca, M Poda, A Çakar, ÜH Ulaş, … – 2016

• Pretreatment with octreotide modulates iNOS gene expression, mimics surgical delay, and improves flap survival – A Gözü, M Poda, EI Taskin, H Turgut, N Erginel-Ünaltuna, H Dogruman, … – 2010

• CETP TaqIB polymorphism in Turkish adults: association with dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome – B Özsait, EK Bayrak, M Poda, G Can, G Hergenç, A Onat, SE Humphries, … – 2008

• Comparison of S gene mutations in patients with occult and chronic hepatitis B virus infection – B Cakal, B Cavus, A Atasoy, D Altunok, M Poda, M Bulakci, M Gulluoglu, … – 2022

• The effects of IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphism on hepatitis B infection – B Cakal, B Cavus, A Atasoy, D Altunok, M Poda, M Bulakci, M Gulluoglu, … – 2022