Fuat Cem Yağcı

 
 FuatCemYagci      Contact Info: fuatcemyagci@gmail.com
     Research Interests:

  • Immunomodulation of innate immune system utilizing TLR based ligands formulated within nanodelivery systems.
  • Immunoprotective, anti-cancer and immunoadjuvant effects of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides expressing CpG motifs.
  • The role of Toll-like receptor (TLR) and TLR-ligand interactions (alone or in combination) in triggering an innate immune response.
  • Immunoregulatory effects of bacterial and mammalian DNA on mammalian immune system.

 

Academic Degrees
2007-2014 Ph.D. Molecular Biology and Genetics Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. İhsan Gürsel
2005-2007 M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Genetics Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. İhsan Gürsel
2001-2005 B.S. Molecular Biology and Genetics Halic University, Istanbul, Turkey
Publications
B. Gungor, F.C. Yagci, G. Tincer, B. Bayyurt, E. Alpdundar, S. Yildiz, M. Ozcan, I. Gursel, M. Gursel. Production from Plasmocytoid Dendritic Cells and Demonstrate Potent Vaccine Adjuvant Activity. Sci. Transl. Med. 6, 235ra61 (2014).
O. Osmanagaoglu, F. Kiran, F.C. Yagci, I. Gursel. Immunomodulatory function and in vivo properties of Pediococcus pentosaceus OZF, a promising probiotic strain. Ann. Microbiol., DOI: 10.1007/s13213-012-0590-9, 2012.
G. Tincer, S. Yerlikaya, F.C. Yagci, T. Kahraman, O. M. Atanur, O. Erbatur, I. Gursel. Immunostimulatory Activity of Polysaccharide-Poly(I:C) Nanoparticles. Biomaterials, 32(18):4275-82, 2011.
 
I. Gursel, F.C. Yagci, G. Tincer, T. Kahraman, M. Gursel. Novel applications of DNA nanoparticles in nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology. Science and Technology Journal (by TÜBİTAK, Turkey), 520:44-48, 2011 (Article in Turkish).
F.C. Yagci, O. Aslan, M. Gursel, G. Tincer, Y. Ozdamar , K. Karatepe, K.C. Akcali, I. Gursel. Mammalian Telomeric DNA Suppresses Endotoxin-induced Uveitis, J Biol Chem., 285(37):28806, 2010.
Research Experiences
2013-…. Project PI Ministery of Science and Technology, TEKNOGİRİSİM Project (1232.TGSD.2013). Use of several TLR agonists to enhance the efficiency of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines as adjuvants, Thorvacs Vaccine Drug LTD, Ümitköy Mahallesi, Ümitköy Sitesi, 35.Blok, No:4, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Turkey.
 
2009-2011 Research assistant Ministry of Science and Technology, SANTEZ project (00448.STZ.2009-2). Improving broiler chicken immune resistance by providing protection and reducing losses from stress and bacterial diseases with CpG DNA, Bilkent University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Turkey.
 
2008-2010 Research assistant TÜBİTAK project (SBAG-108S316). Biomedical Applications of DNA Nanoparticles.. Bilkent University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Turkey.
 
2006-2009 Research assistant TÜBİTAK project (SBAG-106S102). Development of CpG ODN containing liposomal vaccines against pathogens. Bilkent University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Turkey.
 
2004 Visiting scholar Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Michael P. Madaio. University of Pennsylvania (UPENN), Department of Renal Electrolyte and Hypertension, USA.
Scholarships and awards
  • Registration and Travel Awards by Turkish Society of Immunology. Molecular Immunology & Immunogenetics Congress (MIMIC2014), Turkey, 2014.
  • Travel Award by European Federation of Immunological Societies. 15 thInternational Congress of Immunology, Italy.2013.
  • Registration and travel awards by Association for Cancer Immunotherapy. 10th CIMT Annual Meeting. Germany, May 2012.
  • Registration and accommodation awards by Turkish Society of Immunology. Molecular Immunology & Immunogenetics Congress (MIMIC2012). Turkey, 2012.
  • Registration and accommodation awards by Turkish Society of Immunology. 21th National Immunology Congress. Turkey, Apr. 2011.
  • Travel award by European Federation of Immunological Societies (EFIS) 14th International Congress of Immunology. Japan, Aug. 2010.
  • Full scholarship provided by Turkish Neurology Society to participate 9th European School of NeuroImmunology, Turkey, Sept. 2009.
  • Project bursary, Ministry of Industry and Trade (SANTEZ Grant, 00448.STZ.2009-2), “Improving broiler chicken immune resistance by providing protection and reducing losses from stress and bacterial diseases with CpG DNA.”, 2009-2011.
  • Project bursary, TÜBİTAK project (SBAG-108S312). “Biomedical Applications of DNA Nanoparticles.”, 2008-2010.
  • Project bursary, TÜBİTAK project (SBAG-106S102). “Development of CpG ODN containing liposomal vaccines against pathogens.”, 2006-2009.
  • Full scholarship, Graduate education, Bilkent University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Turkey, 2005 – 2014
  • “Goldie Simon” preceptorship award, LUPUS Foundation, USA, 2004.
  • B.S. full scholarship, Higher Education Council, Turkey, 2001-2005.
Conference Communications (Oral Presentations)
 
1. Yagci FC, Cokcaliskan C, M, Ozturk N, Gungor B, Gursel M, Gursel I. “Use of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides enhances rapidity, longevity and potency of FMDV vaccines in mice.” Molecular Immunology & Immunogenetics Congress (MIMIC), Antalya, Turkey, April 2012.
2. Yagci FC, Cokcaliskan C, Alkan M, Ozturk N, Bugdayci E, Gungor B, Gursel M, Gursel I. “Use of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides enhances level and duration of vaccine potency against FMDV in mice” 17. Biomedical Science and Technology Symposium (BIOMED), Ankara, Turkey, November 2011.
3. Yagci FC, Aslan O, Gursel M, Simsek I, Bayyurt B, Gursel I. “İmmün Baskılayıcı DNA’nın Otoimmün ve Otoenflammatuvar Hastalıkların Tedavisine Yönelik Uygulamaları” (Applications of Immunosuppressive DNA in Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases) 21thNational Congress of Immunology, Marmaris, Turkey, April 2011.
4. Gursel I, Yagci FC Tincer G, Kahraman T, Bayyurt B, Gucluler G, Erikci E, Karatepe K. “Nanobilimin Uygulamalı İmmünolojiye Katkıları: TLR Ulaklarının İmmünterapide Daha Etkin Kullanımının Geliştirilmesi”(Contribution of Nanoscience to Applied Immunology: Improving the use of TLR ligands in Immunotherapy) 21thNational Congress of Immunology, Marmaris, Turkey, April 2011.
5. Yagci FC, Aslan O, Songur MS, Simsek I, Gursel I “Applications of Immunosuppressive Nanoparticle Forming DNA to Treat Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases”. Workshop on Current Trends in Molecular Nanobiosciences, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey, January 2010.
6. Yagci FC, Aslan O, Songur MS, Gursel I. “Immunosuppressive DNA Nanoparticles: A Potential Nanodrug to Treat Endotoxin Induced Uveitis in Mice”. 5. National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Conference, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey, June 2009.
Conference Communications (Poster Presentations)
 
1. Kahraman T, Yagci FC, Gursel I. “Plasma microparticles and LL37 levels regulate Behcet’s disease severity.” 15th International Congress of Immunology, Milan, Italy, August 2013. (Poster Presentation)
2.Yagci FC, Kiran F, Almacioglu K, Osmanagaoglu O, Gursel I. “DNA Bakteriyosin komplekslerinin immune düzenleyici etkileri.” (Immunomodulatory effects of DNA-Bacteriocin Complexes) 22 th National Immunology Congress, Cesme, Izmir, April 2013 (Poster Presentation in Turkish)
3. Yagci FC, Cokcaliskan C, Alkan M, Gungor B, Gursel M, Gursel I. “CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides enhances both humoral and cellular immune responses against FMDV in mice.” .” 10th Cancer Immunotherapy Annual Meeting (CIMT),  Mainz, Germany, May 2012. (Poster Presentation)
4. Yagci FC, Gucluler G, Kiran F, Gursel I. “Bacteriocin DNA nanocomplexes as immunotherapeutic carriers.” 10th Cancer Immunotherapy Annual Meeting (CIMT),  Mainz, Germany, May 2012. (Poster Presentation)
5. Gungor B, Yagci FC, Gursel I, Gursel M. “Potentiating the immunostimulatory properties of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides:aiming to develop a better vaccine adjuvant.” 10th Cancer Immunotherapy Annual Meeting (CIMT), Mainz, Germany, May 2012. (Poster Presentation)
6. Gungor B, Cokcaliskan C, Alkan M, Yagci FC, Gursel I, Gursel M. “CpG Oligodexynucleotide/Tat Peptide Complexes Enhance the Potency of Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine in Mice.” Molecular Immunology & Immunogenetics Congress (MIMIC), Antalya, Turkey, April 2012. (Poster Presentation)
7. Kiran F, Yagci FC, Almacioglu K, Osmanagaoglu O, Gursel I. ”Enhanced Immunostimulatory activity of bacteriocin CpG ODN nanocomplexes” 17. Biomedical Science and Technology Symposium (BIOMED), Ankara, Turkey, November 2011. (Poster Presentation)
8. Gungor B, Yagci FC, Tincer G, Alpdundar E, Yildiz S, Gursel I, Gursel M.”Determination of Immune Stimulatory Properties of Synthetic CpG ODN/ Cationic Peptide Complexes”. Biomedical Science and Technology Symposium (BIOMED), Ankara, Turkey. November 2011. (Invited speaker, Dr. Mayda Gürsel)
9. Gungor B, Yagci FC, Tincer G, Alpdundar E, Yildiz S, Gursel I, Gursel M. “Immunostimulatory Properties of CpG ODN Based Nanoparticles”. ”. Biomedical Science and Technology Symposium (BIOMED), Ankara, Turkey, November 2011. (Poster Presentation)
10. Yagci FC, Aslan O, Songur MS, Gursel I. “Mammalian Telomeric DNA Sequences Downregulate Symptoms of Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases”. BRIDGE Symposium, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey, April 2011. (Poster Presentation)
11 Yagci FC, Aslan O, Simsek I, Gursel M, Ozdamar Y, Tincer G, Karatepe K, Gursel I. “Immunosupressive Oligodeoxynucleotides: A Potential Nanodrug to Treat Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Diseases”. 14th International Congress of Immunology, Day 1 Abstract Book, P21, Kobe, Japan, August 2010. (Poster Presentation)
12. Yagci FC, Aslan O, Songur MS, Gursel I. “Mammalian Telomeric DNA Sequences Are Immunosuppressive and Downregulate Symptoms of Endotoxin Induced Uveitis in Mice”. 15. Biomedical Science and Technology Symposium, P125, Guzelyurt, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, August 2009. (Poster Presentation)
13. Gursel I, Tincer G, Yagci FC, Mammadov R, Kocak H, Kahraman T, Karatepe K, Erikci E, Akcali C, Gursel M. “Nanobiotechnological Applications of Self-Assembled Immunostimulatory DNA Nanoparticles”. 15th International Biomedical Science and Technology Symposium, Guzelyurt, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, August 2009. (Invited speaker, Dr. Ihsan Gürsel)
14. Gursel I,  Tincer G, Yagci FC, Kahraman T, Mammadov R, Erikci E, Karatepe K, Akcalı C, Gürsel M. “Potential Nanomedical Applications of Self Assembled Immunomodulatory DNA Nanoparticles”. 5th National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Conference, Eskisehir, Turkey, June 2009. (Invited speaker, Dr. Ihsan Gürsel)
15. Gursel I, Tincer G, Yagci FC, Mammadov R, Kocak H, Kahraman T, Karatepe K, Erikci E, Gursel M. “Immunotherapeutic applications of DNA nanoparticles to cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases”. 13th National Biomedical Engineering Conference, Ankara, Turkey, May 2008 . (Invited speaker, Dr.Ihsan Gürsel)
16. Gursel I, Tincer G, Yagci FC, Mammadov R, Kocak H, Kahraman T, Karatepe K, Erikci E, Gursel M. “Immune activation by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides”. XX. National Biochemistry Congress, Nevsehir, Turkey, November 2008. (Invited speaker, Dr.Ihsan Gürsel)
17.Gursel I, Yagci FC, Tincer G, Gursel M. “DNA Nanoparticles: Novel Immunomodulatory Adjuvants for Immunotherapy”. World Immune Regulation Meeting-II, Davos, Switzerland, March 2008. (Poster Presentation)
18. Yagci FC, Biterge B, Yazar V, Bahcecioglu G, Gursel I. “Nanoparticle Forming TLR Antagonist as Potential Nanodrugs to Treat Autoimmune Diseases”. 13th Biomedical Science and Technology Symposium, P90, Istanbul, Turkey, June 2007. (Poster Presentation)
19. Akis N, Aydin Z, Tezil T, Yagci FC, Kahraman S, Endothelial Cell Protective Gene Expression. 2nd Modern Drug Discovery & Development Summit Abstract Book, 3, Philadelphia, USA, 2006. (Poster Presentation)