Publications
I have a keen interest in studying the evolution of vertebrates and their respective systems. My research focuses on exploring the adaptations of organisms in extreme mountain environments. In my MSc study, I conducted a comparative analysis of neutral divergence and immune defenses among ABMR populations residing at various altitudes. Throughout my Ph.D., I further investigated the influence of altitude, diet and population genetic structure on the composition of microbiota in ABMR. Currently, I work at the Charles University as a post-doctoral researcher and I continue the explore high altitude adaptations in different species and setups.
Presenting my MSc Study. İlia State University, Georgia, 2019.
Bio
Research Projects
High Altitude Adaptation
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Innate Immune Response: In high altitude parasite and pathogen abundance is expected to be lower and investment in immunity is dependent on the risk of infection. However, the cost of survival is higher because of the harsher conditions at high altitudes. To understand the effect of altitude in innate immune response, we compared the innate immune response of Anatolian Blind Molerats at ~2000 meters altitude gradient in the Central Taurus Mountains. For results click here.
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Microbiota Composition: Recent research showed that the gut microbiome can affect physiology of humans and animals. Most research, however, is performed on a few laboratory animal models, leaving the wild species understudied. The variation in altitude offers one of the most powerful natural experimental settings for ecological research, including that of the ecological role of the microbiome. In this study, we plan to study the microbiome composition in the Anatolian Blind Molerat populations at ~2000 meters altitude gradient in the Central Taurus Mountains. For details see Research page.
Phylogenetic History
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Speciation and adaptive radiation in Blind Mole Rats with ddRAD: The Blind Molerats (BMR), sub-family Spalacinae, with two genera Nannospalax and Spalax, are known for their complex evolutionary history. There have been numerous studies conducted on the chromosomal races, evolution, and speciation of BMRs. The majority of these studies, however, were just cover local populations and based on some short sequences (i.e. CytB or some ~1k base nuclear markers). With this study, we are aiming to resolve the phylogenetic history of speciation and adaptive radiation in Blind Molerats (Spalax and Nannospalax) with high-quality ddRAD sequences in their entire distribution range. For details see Research page.