Two Master's Research Studies from Üsküdar Published in International Scientific Journals

Two research studies, produced from the master's thesis work carried out by Üsküdar University Master's students Murat Kaan Pekgöz and Onur Mert Ünaldı under the supervision of Prof. Belkıs Atasever Arslan, have been published in international peer-reviewed journals. One of the studies examined the possible interactions of bioactive compounds of garlic with the dopamine D2 receptor related to bipolar disorder, while the other addressed the interactions of curcumin and similar molecules with the GSK-3β enzyme using computer-aided methods. The studies shed light on new research areas for understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

Two master's research studies conducted within Üsküdar University contributed to the academic literature with international scientific publications. 

In studies conducted under the supervision of Prof. Belkıs Atasever Arslan, molecular mechanisms related to diseases and the interactions of natural or structurally similar compounds with target molecules were examined using computational methods.

Bioactive Compounds of Garlic Examined for Receptors Related to Bipolar Disorder

The article titled “Computational identification of Allium sativum phytochemicals with predicted binding to the dopamine D2 receptor relevant to bipolar disorder,” prepared by Üsküdar University Institute of Health Sciences Neuroscience master's student Murat Kaan Pekgöz, Prof. Tunç Çatal, and Prof. Belkıs Atasever Arslan, was published in the Journal of Receptors and Signal Transduction.

The study presents computational findings on the possible interactions of natural compounds found in garlic with the dopamine D2 receptor, while also indicating the need for further experimental research to understand the biological effects of these molecules.

Dopamine and Serotonin Systems are Important in Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is known as a psychiatric illness characterized by periods of mania or hypomania and depression, affecting mood regulation. The dopamine and serotonin systems in the brain play important roles in mood regulation, motivation, reward mechanisms, and cognitive functions. While the dopamine D2 receptor is involved in regulating dopaminergic signal transmission, the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is also associated with mood and cognitive processes via serotonergic signaling. The study of these receptors is among the research areas that can contribute to a better understanding of the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of bipolar disorder.

Bioactive Compounds of Garlic Analyzed Using Computer-Aided Methods

In the research, the potential binding properties of various phytochemical compounds found in garlic with dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors were evaluated using computational molecular analyses. During the analyses, the predicted interaction of the compound N-trans-feruloyltyramine with the dopamine D2 receptor was particularly noteworthy.

The results obtained from computational analyses indicated that the compound in question could exhibit a structurally stable interaction with the receptor. This finding suggests that N-trans-feruloyltyramine could be considered among the molecules to be investigated in future experimental studies on dopaminergic signaling mechanisms.

However, a molecule demonstrating binding potential to a receptor does not mean it is proof that it alters the receptor's function or produces a therapeutic effect in any disease. 

Prof. Belkıs Atasever Arslan: “Provides Preliminary Data on Potential Molecular Interactions That Can Be Investigated in the Future”

Prof. Belkıs Atasever Arslan, the advisor of the research, drew attention to the importance of receptors related to dopamine and serotonin systems in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of bipolar disorder. Prof. Belkıs Atasever-Arslan said: “Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that play important roles in regulating the brain's mood, motivation, and behavior mechanisms. The study of receptors related to these systems is of great importance in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of bipolar disorder. In our study, the predicted binding properties of the compound N-trans-feruloyltyramine with the dopamine D2 receptor were found to be noteworthy. However, these findings need to be confirmed by experimental methods. Our study provides preliminary data on potential molecular interactions that can be investigated in the future.”

For the article

Interactions of Curcumin and Similar Molecules with GSK-3β Enzyme Investigated

The article featuring the master's thesis work of Üsküdar University Institute of Science Molecular Biology master's student Onur Mert Ünaldı, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Belkıs Atasever Arslan, was published in the journal “Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry.” 
In the research titled “Molecular docking and network pharmacology analysis of the interactions of curcumin and curcumin-like molecules with GSK-3β,” the interactions of curcumin and structurally similar molecules with glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) enzyme, which plays an important role in the molecular mechanisms of various diseases, were examined.

GSK-3β Enzyme Plays a Role in Processes Related to Various Diseases

GSK-3β is known as an important enzyme involved in cellular signal transduction, metabolism, inflammation, and nervous system functions. The irregular activity of this enzyme is being investigated in molecular processes related to various neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer, especially Alzheimer's disease.

Interactions of Curcumin and 10 Similar Molecules Evaluated

The study utilized molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, density functional theory, ADMET/toxicity predictions, and network pharmacology analyses in combination. Within the scope of the research, the interactions of curcumin and ten structurally similar molecules with the GSK-3β enzyme were evaluated.
Among the results obtained, acitretin, in particular, stood out as a candidate that could be prioritized for further experimental research.

The findings have the potential to contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of GSK-3β-related diseases and to target-oriented treatment strategies that can be developed in the future. However, researchers emphasize that computational results need to be validated through experimental enzyme inhibition studies.

In the research conducted under the corresponding authorship of Prof. Belkıs Atasever-Arslan, along with Onur Mert Ünaldı, Assoc. Prof. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı, Ceren Yıldırım, and Elanur Güzenge were included as authors.

For the article

Postgraduate Research Contributes to International Scientific Literature

These two research studies, conducted in different disciplines at Üsküdar University, highlight the contribution of postgraduate students to scientific production and the importance of bringing academic work to international literature. The studies published in international peer-reviewed journals, while paving the way for new research to understand the molecular mechanisms of diseases, also contribute to the university's scientific research and publication activities.