An event titled “Current Approaches in Medical Technology” was organized by the Uskudar University Scientific Research Community Club. Uskudar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak, and Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics faculty member Prof. Dr. Sevim Işık participated in the event. During the event, attention was drawn to stem cells and the human genome project.
There was intense participation in the event held at Uskudar University NP Health Campus, Ibn-i Sina Auditorium.
Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak: “You made the right decision by choosing Uskudar University”
The opening speech of the event was delivered by Uskudar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hikmet Koçak. Koçak, addressing the meaning of a university; “When we look at the general structure and meaning of a university, it is an institution that provides high-level education, training individuals in their respective departments to be beneficial to society or to acquire a profession. The second meaning of a university is to conduct research. You came to this university dreaming of these. Our role here is to provide you with the necessary opportunities and to assist you in the field you wish to work in. Technology is not only in medicine but everywhere, from diagnosis to treatment. Therefore, you made the right decision by choosing Uskudar University.” he said.
Prof. Dr. Sevim Işık: “We carry stem cells in our bodies from the moment of egg fertilization until death”
Prof. Dr. Sevim Işık, a faculty member at Uskudar University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, who has been working on stem cells and neurological diseases for years, provided information about stem cells. Işık; “Stem cells are cells that are unspecialized, have the ability to self-renew and replicate, and also have the ability to differentiate. These cells can replicate and specialize in our bodies when needed. In this way, continuous tissue regeneration in our bodies is ensured. We carry these cells in our bodies from the moment of egg fertilization until death. Only the potentials of the cells change. From the initial moment of fertilization, these cells have the ability to form an organism. Stem cells obtained from fetuses, babies, and individuals throughout their lives are called tissue stem cells. Phase 3 and phase 4 trials have started, especially for neurological and orthopedic diseases. For first-generation stem cells, you take three to four milliliters of stem cells from the bone marrow and proliferate them from there. Therefore, these are also very rare cells. When immortal cells are mentioned, cancer cells come to mind. There is also a risk of cancer formation when these cells are used clinically. So, how are they used clinically? Any body cell is taken from the patient. For example, skin cells are taken, the nucleus is removed, and an egg cell is taken from any donor and transferred into it; the same technology is used in animal cloning.” she said.
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk: “It seems our generation will be the last example of Homo sapiens”
Uskudar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, drawing attention to the unprecedented stages reached as of today; “As the future now belongs to you, with the increasing knowledge due to the evolving world and technology, I advise you to have a very flexible mindset and adaptable behaviors. Because those who remain in the status quo will stay there and will not be able to progress. You must work not for yourselves or your families, but for this nation and this homeland. Because all of us owe a debt to these lands. We must pay this debt. Specifically, with the launch of the human genome project in 1990, I was abroad for my doctorate. At that time, I was learning a lot about stem cells. In 1990, the genome project suddenly began. Stem cells were forgotten, and a great deal of meaning was attributed to the human genome project. As of today, we have reached stages that were previously unimaginable. I don't know how you will live after this, but I believe that our generation seems to be the last example of Homo sapiens. I also think that a different species will emerge starting from your generation. In pharmacogenetics, we essentially use genetic data obtained from the human genome project.” he stated.
The event concluded after the question and answer session.