Asst. Prof. KEMAL ERDEM BAŞARAN

Biography

Our laboratory focuses on determining the genetic and molecular signals for physiological mechanism of neural plasticity and ventilatory acclimatization to chronic hypoxia. Our studies are relevant to hypoxia models that acute or chronic sustained and intermittent hypoxia. We are especially interested in mechanisms of susceptibility and tolerance to chronic hypoxia in microcircuits that control breathing in the central nervous system.

Our recent experiments study:

- The effects of HIF-1α versus HIF-2α in neurons versus glia for plasticity in the CSN with chronic hypoxia.

- The role of glia and inflammatory signals in acclimatization to chronic hypoxia.

- Identifying therapeutic targets for manipulating neural plasticity in respiratory centers arising from chronic sustained versus intermittent hypoxia.

- We study the problem at multiple levels, translating from genetic and molecular mechanisms to the whole animal physiology.