Dr. Gülçin Gacar is an Associate Professor at Kocaeli University, serving at the Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies within the Institute of Health Sciences. With a strong background in clinical microbiology, her research explores mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, and regenerative therapies. She actively leads and contributes to national scientific projects and serves as a mentor to graduate students. Her work bridges experimental research with clinical applications, advancing the field of stem cell biology through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Academic Profile
ORCID, Google Scholar
Education
Dr. Gülçin Gacar pursued her academic training in medical and life sciences with a strong emphasis on clinical microbiology and cellular biology. Her foundational education equipped her with deep theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, and biotechnology. Building upon this, she specialized in advanced studies of stem cells and regenerative medicine, laying the groundwork for her future research in cellular therapies and translational medicine. Her education has been a critical driver in shaping her academic vision and her interdisciplinary approach to complex biomedical challenges.
Professional Experience
Dr. Gacar currently holds the position of Associate Professor at Kocaeli University, where she is actively involved with the Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies. Over the years, she has gained extensive academic and research experience, having taught and mentored at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She plays a vital role in supervising graduate theses and guiding students in advanced biomedical research. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she is also a principal investigator and research consultant on numerous scientific projects funded by national bodies such as TÜBİTAK. Her experience includes close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams working on cellular therapies, tissue engineering, and experimental models of disease. Her leadership in research has contributed significantly to the academic output of her department and to the scientific community at large.
Research Interests
Dr. Gacar’s research focuses on the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, and extracellular vesicles, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer biology, and tissue regeneration. Her work integrates cellular and molecular techniques to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses in experimental models. She has conducted studies on the effects of stem-cell-derived exosomes in Alzheimer’s disease models, explored the anti-inflammatory potential of compounds in oxidative stress conditions, and examined the use of photodynamic therapy agents in cancer treatment. Dr. Gacar is particularly interested in how cell-to-cell communication via extracellular vesicles can be harnessed to develop new treatment modalities. Her scientific output reflects a strong commitment to translational research, bridging the gap between bench-side discoveries and clinical applications.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Dr. Gacar has earned recognition for her contributions to medical research and scientific innovation. She has been involved in several prestigious research projects funded by national agencies, notably TÜBİTAK, and by higher education institutions. Her collaborative work has resulted in multiple successful research grants and numerous scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Gacar has also contributed to the advancement of academic research infrastructure by mentoring emerging scholars and participating in advisory roles on national research panels. These accomplishments underscore her standing in the scientific community and highlight the broader impact of her research in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Publications
Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from rat bone marrow: ultrastructural properties, differentiation potential and immunophenotypic markers – Histochemistry and cell biology (2009)
Isolation and in vitro characterisation of dental pulp stem cells from natal teeth – Histochemistry and cell biology (2010)
Comparative analysis of apoptotic resistance of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human bone marrow and adipose tissue – The Scientific World (2012)
The short-and long-term effects of estrogen deficiency on apoptosis in musculoskeletal tissues: an experimental animal model study – Archives of Iranian Medicine (2013)
In vitro protection of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells by erythropoietin – Acta histochemica (2014)
Protective effects of resveratrol on aging-induced cognitive impairment in rats – Neurobiology of learning and memory (2016)
Restorative effect of resveratrol on expression of endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cavernous tissues of chronic unpredictable mild stress-exposed rats: an – International Journal of Impotence Research (2018)