Research context
I completed my MSc in Biotechnology at Bezmialem Vakif University in July 2026. My thesis, Bioinformatic Analysis of a CRISPR/Cas9-Based Metabolic Gene Screen to Investigate TRAIL Resistance in Glioblastoma, was carried out in Cingoz Lab, with research supported by the TÜBİTAK 3501 Career Development Support Program.
The work brought together functional genetic screening, cancer metabolism, and computational analysis. My project assistant / graduate researcher role ran from September 2024 to June 2026.
Computational approaches
- Processing and quality assessment of sequencing readouts from a pooled CRISPR/Cas9 metabolic gene screen.
- sgRNA-level analysis and MAGeCK RRA-based prioritization of candidate genes across sensitive, resistant, and baseline comparisons.
- Functional interpretation using GO, KEGG, Reactome, and gene-set enrichment approaches.
- Integration with transcriptomic, metabolomic, and TCGA-GBM data to explore processes associated with therapy resistance.
Experimental context
My laboratory work included mammalian cell culture, MTT-based viability assays, nucleic-acid handling, agarose gel electrophoresis, and metabolomics sample preparation.
Limits
The screen prioritizes candidate genes. That is not the same as showing how those genes cause resistance. Candidates need experimental validation before they can support conclusions about biological mechanisms.