Asst. Prof. Onur Emre Onat, PhD is a geneticist and biomedical researcher whose work spans neurogenetics, cancer genomics, circadian biology, and rare hereditary disorders. As a leader in statistical genomics and precision medicine, he develops computational methods to uncover the genetic causes of complex diseases, bridging omics data with clinical insight. His studies have advanced the understanding of movement disorders such as essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, and congenital mirror movement disorder, identifying novel gene variants—including mutations in HTRA2 and RAD51—that link mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant neural activity to disease progression. He has also contributed to groundbreaking discoveries in circadian rhythm genetics, co-authoring the identification of a gain-of-function CRY1 mutation responsible for familial delayed sleep phase disorder. Through these investigations, Dr. Onat has illuminated the genetic and molecular underpinnings of neurological and age-related conditions, while also addressing how such findings intersect with broader themes in neurodegeneration and human longevity.
Beyond neurology, Dr. Onat has applied genomic and bioinformatic approaches to diverse areas of human health. His research includes mapping genetic variation across the Greater Middle East to uncover rare disease genes, conducting meta-analyses of commonly mutated genes in leptomeningeal carcinomatosis to identify therapeutic targets, and investigating genetic risk factors in reproductive disorders such as premature ovarian failure and sex development syndromes. He has also explored cancer susceptibility, including the role of MDM2 polymorphisms in bladder cancer. This broad portfolio highlights his expertise at the interface of computational genomics, molecular biology, and translational medicine, with a focus on how genomic variation shapes human disease and informs targeted therapeutic strategies.
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