The project titled “Investigation of the Relationships of SALL4 Gene with Resistance Genes in Head and Neck Cancer Cells (FADU and SCC-9) (in vivo and in vitro Study)”, conducted by Prof. Dr. Adem Kara from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Faculty of Science of Erzurum Technical University (ETU), and including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yagmur Unver, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seçkin Özkanlar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kübra Solak and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Erdemci from Atatürk University as researchers, has been awarded support within the scope of the TUBITAK 1001 Scientific and Technological Research Projects Support Program.

Within the scope of the developed project, the SALL4 gene, which is a new potential target in cancer treatment by targeting drug resistance in head and neck cancers (HNSCC), will be examined and the responses of cancer cells to treatment by suppressing or increasing the expression of the SALL4 gene will be evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

The project team aims to contribute to the development of innovative treatment strategies against cancer cells that develop drug resistance and to reveal the potential of SALL4 as a therapeutic target, and aims to increase the success of treatment, especially in advanced-stage cancers.

Prof. Dr. Adem Kara, who made evaluations regarding the developed project, stated that they wanted to bring a new approach to cancer treatment and said: “Our project is a pioneering study that aims to increase the success of treatment, especially in advanced-stage cancers. We aim to contribute to the development of innovative treatment strategies against cancer cells that develop drug resistance and to reveal the potential of SALL4 as a therapeutic target. Our project will be a pioneering study that aims to increase the success of treatment, especially in advanced-stage cancers. Because it has the potential to eliminate drug resistance, one of the biggest problems of cancer treatment. This innovative approach will increase the effectiveness of treatment, improve the quality of life of patients and make significant contributions to clinical practices. Our project also promises hope in terms of reducing treatment costs.”

Corporate Communications Directorate 03.01.2025