Derya Güzel Erdoğan - Plant Disease Modelling - Best Researcher Award

Sakarya University - Turkey

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

🌱 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

DERYA GÜZEL ERDOĞAN's academic journey began with a solid foundation in medicine, earning her Bachelor's degree from Ondokuz Mayıs University in 2008. With a natural inclination toward physiological sciences, she advanced to complete her specialization at Ankara University's Department of Physiology in 2013. Her doctoral thesis, which investigated the effects of intermittent hypoxia on the cardiac HIF/VEGF pathway in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, reflects her early commitment to research at the intersection of cardiology and molecular biology. Her work during this period foreshadowed a career defined by meticulous inquiry and innovation in experimental physiology. Through rigorous scientific training, Erdoğan honed both her research and clinical skills, preparing herself to tackle complex questions in pathophysiology, especially those related to inflammation, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and metabolic diseases. These early experiences provided a deep understanding of translational medicine and laid the groundwork for her future exploration of cellular signaling and therapeutic interventions.

🧪 RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AND FOCUS

ERDOĞAN’s research portfolio spans an impressive range of physiological and biomedical topics, with a notable emphasis on inflammation, oxidative stress, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and angiogenesis. Her pioneering studies delve into the molecular mechanisms of diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, schizophrenia, thyroid cancer, and myocardial infarction. Her work frequently involves investigating angiogenetic molecules like VEGF, HIF, and HO-1, aiming to understand their roles in inflammation and tissue regeneration. She has been principal investigator or collaborator in numerous TÜBİTAK and university-funded projects, showcasing her ability to translate fundamental physiology into potential clinical applications. Among her distinguished research themes is the modulation of systemic inflammation and oxidative damage using phytochemicals like hesperidin, apocynin, and rosmarinic acid. Her studies provide essential insights into how plant-based compounds can serve as protective agents in various disease models. Erdoğan’s ongoing research continues to shed light on complex physiological interactions, particularly in the domains of neuroendocrinology, reproductive physiology, and immune responses.

🧑‍🏫 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

As a dedicated academic, Derya Güzel Erdoğan has served in key roles across Sakarya University’s Faculty of Medicine, notably within the Department of Physiology. Rising from a research assistant at Ankara University to an assistant professor and later an associate professor at Sakarya, she exemplifies academic leadership. From 2015 to 2018, she was Head of the Physiology Department, reflecting trust in her administrative and academic capabilities. Erdoğan has mentored multiple postgraduate theses, guiding students in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis, angiogenesis, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Her pedagogical commitment is also evident in her contributions to physiology education and her co-authorship of scientific book chapters on topics like exercise physiology, calcium homeostasis, and neurohormonal signaling. Her teaching, firmly grounded in current research, bridges theory and practice, encouraging students to critically engage with emerging physiological paradigms. She has also collaborated across disciplines, contributing to physiology’s intersection with psychiatry, endocrinology, and cardiology.

🧬 SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Erdoğan has authored or co-authored over 40 articles in international peer-reviewed journals, consistently contributing to high-impact fields like psychoneuroendocrinology, reproductive physiology, and inflammation research. Her collaborative work often integrates biochemical analysis, histopathological techniques, and behavioral models, enabling multifaceted exploration of disease states. Whether examining neurotrophic factors in bipolar disorder or the interplay of Klotho and BDNF in cannabinoid users, her contributions reflect a robust interdisciplinary approach. Several of her studies address systemic disorders with a molecular lens, such as the NILCO pathway in thyroid cancer and the vascular implications of cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis. Erdoğan’s involvement in congresses and symposia underscores her role as a knowledge disseminator, where she presents cutting-edge findings and engages in global scientific discourse. She has also been a key figure in investigating the therapeutic value of natural compounds, championing their role in experimental models of arthritis, ischemia, and oxidative injury.

🏆 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Throughout her career, Erdoğan has earned multiple awards acknowledging her contributions to science and academia. Notably, she received the second-place research award at the 10th International Congress on Psychopharmacology in 2018, recognizing her innovative exploration of neuroendocrine markers in psychiatric disorders. She was also honored in Sakarya University’s “Medicine of the Future III” poster competition, placing third for her work in experimental physiology. These accolades reflect both her commitment to scientific rigor and the broader impact of her research on physiological and clinical sciences. Her ability to connect laboratory findings with potential clinical applications makes her a standout figure in experimental medicine. Moreover, her active membership in the Turkish Physiological Sciences Society attests to her engagement in advancing national scientific standards. Erdoğan’s recognition is not only a testament to her technical expertise but also to her perseverance, mentorship, and scholarly influence within the biomedical research community.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Derya Güzel Erdoğan’s research has influenced several domains of physiology and medical science, particularly in understanding the interface between oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue repair. Her findings on neuroplasticity, metabolic disorders, and reproductive physiology have been cited by researchers seeking to develop novel interventions for complex pathologies. Her emphasis on integrative physiology—connecting molecular signals to systemic outcomes—offers a model for translational research. By examining how dietary, hormonal, and pharmacological agents influence disease processes, Erdoğan contributes to a better understanding of how to prevent and manage chronic inflammatory and degenerative conditions. Her role in experimental designs that utilize animal models to simulate human diseases has equipped many young researchers with the tools and methodologies needed to pursue independent scientific inquiry. Her influence extends beyond publications—she shapes research ethics, inspires collaborative science, and provides a blueprint for future scientists eager to bridge laboratory findings with real-world health challenges.

🔮 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As Erdoğan continues to explore new frontiers in experimental physiology, her legacy is being defined by both scientific depth and mentorship. She is currently engaged in national projects funded by TÜBİTAK, focusing on the interplay of gut microbiota, cardiovascular remodeling, and hormonal balance in experimental disease models. Her foresight in selecting impactful research topics ensures that her work remains both relevant and visionary. Erdoğan’s legacy will be marked not only by her publications and grants but also by the many students and colleagues she has mentored, who carry forward her passion for translational physiology. With a firm grounding in empirical rigor and a vision oriented toward holistic understanding of disease mechanisms, she is poised to make continued contributions to personalized medicine, especially in the context of inflammation, neurobiology, and endocrine function. Her future research promises to further unravel the complex interplay between physiological systems, leading to better-targeted and more effective therapeutic strategies.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

  • Title: Effects of different doses of Ganoderic Acid A on nociceptive behaviour and inflammatory parameters in polyarthritic mice rheumatoid arthritis model
    Authors: Erdogan, Derya Guzel; Demir, Aysenur; Baylan, Huseyin; Budak, Ozcan; Cokluk, Erdem; Tanyeri, Pelin
    Journal: Scientific Reports

 

  • Title: Promising Antidepressant Potential: The Role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in Mental Health and Stress Response
    Authors: Isik, Musab; Kose, Fadime; Ozbayer, Cansu; Budak, Ozcan; Kaya, Rumeysa Keles; Erdogan, Derya Guzel; Demirci, Mehmet Arif; Doganay, Songul; Bagci, Cahit
    Journal: Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins

 

  • Title: Relationship between klotho, neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF, GDNF) and cognitive functions in patients with bipolar disorder
    Authors: Celebi, Zeynep; Yazici, Esra; Erdogan, Derya Guzel; Davutoglu, Onur; Yazici, Ahmet Bulent
    Journal: BMC Psychiatry

 

  • Title: The protective effects of hesperidin pretreatment on kidney and remote organs against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
    Authors: Karacaer, C.; Erdogan, D. G.; Tanyeli, A.; Baylan, H.; Eraslan, E.; Guler, M. C.; Polat, E.; Comakli, S.
    Journal: European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences

 

  • Title: An Overview of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Review on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response
    Authors: Guler, Mustafa Can; Tanyeli, Ayhan; Akdemir, Fazile Nur Ekinci; Eraslan, Ersen; Sebin, Saime Ozbek; Erdogan, Derya Guzel; Nacar, Tuncer
    Journal: The Eurasian Journal of Medicine
Derya Güzel Erdoğan – Plant Disease Modelling – Best Researcher Award