Erasmus scholarship holder researches new methods of bone healing at the H-BRS

Ruken Ege Erasmus Stipendiatin Angewandte Naturwissenschafen

Ruken Ege, a Master's student at Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul, was a guest at the Department of Natural Sciences in September. The ERASMUS scholarship holder spent several weeks in Rheinbach, where she worked under the guidance of Professor Edda Tobiasch, Dr Pansky and Dr Ehlich on a process aimed at producing cells that contribute to bone formation more efficiently. In future, this could benefit tumour patients whose bone marrow has been destroyed, among others.

With her project, Eken aims to develop a more efficient and ethical approach by minimising the reliance on animal materials in cell culture. "Ruken Eken's work promises to have a significant impact on the field of stem cell differentiation and we are delighted to be able to support her in this endeavour," explained the head of the stem cell research team, Professor Edda Tobiasch.

The student came to H-BRS with her first research experience. In her bachelor's thesis, she researched the production and activity measurement of special enzymes that are produced using genetic engineering methods. Her research is now focussing on the development of proteins that are located on the surface of so-called "exosomes". Exosomes are tiny vesicles that are released by cells to send signals to other cells in order to influence their behaviour. These signals are also of great importance in stem cell research because, among other things, they can influence how stem cells transform into specialised cells.

For Ruken Ege, the stay in Germany was a valuable opportunity to gain further experience in stem cell research: "Working in a successful research laboratory in Germany is great for my professional development. The high quality laboratory facilities greatly enhance our research. I am happy to be part of this project," she said.