The project, led by Dr. Özel Çapık from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Erzurum Technical University (ETU), with Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Karataş as advisor and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elanur Aydın Karataş and Dr. Mesut Akyüz as researchers, was awarded support within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 1001 Scientific and Technological Research Projects Support Program.

The project titled “Investigation of the Possible Effect of Chemokine Expression Increased in Endothelial Cell Secretome by Hypoxia-Induced Tumor-Derived Exosomes on Metastasis in Head and Neck Cancers Using In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo Tools” will be carried out in collaboration with the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Medical Pathology, and the Experimental Research Unit of the Faculty of Fisheries of Atatürk University.

Commenting on the project, Dr. Özel Çapık stated that the study aims to better understand the pathogenesis and spread mechanisms of head and neck cancers, saying, “We are particularly focused on the components of the tumor microenvironment, the interactions between these components, and the molecular changes associated with metastasis. In this way, we aim to contribute to the development of new and effective treatment strategies. Our study also has the potential to reveal a potential diagnostic biomarker in head and neck cancer patients who develop metastasis.”

The findings are expected to contribute to the characterization of molecular targets that lead to the development of metastasis, one of the poor prognostic factors in head and neck cancers, and to provide economic and commercial benefits in the long term.

Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate 11.08.2025