Dr. Caner Çağlar is a neuroscientist at Bezmialem Vakıf University, focusing on neuroscience, metabolism, and behavior. He earned his B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Bilkent University. Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Çağlar worked as a researcher at Yale University for two years, where he gained extensive experience in neurobiology. He then pursued his Ph.D. at The Rockefeller University, where his research centered on the neuronal regulation of eating behaviors and metabolic processes. Dr. Çağlar's work is dedicated to advancing our understanding of brain mechanisms involved in food-related behaviors and metabolic disorders.
Research Area: Neuroscience
Field of expertise
Neuroscience, obesity, binge eating, mouse models.
Scientific Impact
Several mechanisms exist in the brain to detect and respond to disruptions in the balance between satiety and hunger. However, it is possible for these mechanisms to be impaired, which in turn may lead to various disorders and abnormal behaviors, such as binge eating. Binge eating is defined as eating much more than one can consume in a short period of time due to a satiety deficit. To elucidate the underlying neuronal and molecular mechanisms that trigger binge eating, our lab utilizes wide range of cutting-edge technologies. By using recombinase driver mice and recombinase-dependent AAVs that express a variety of genetically encoded tools.
Ongoing work
Dr. Çağlar's research spans across several different areas involving neurobiology, metabolism,behavior and genetics. He is interested in uncovering the neuronal mechanisms that regulate food related behaviors. Currently, his research program combines cutting-edge technologies in neuroscience and molecular biology to define the neuronal circuitry that is activated or inhibited upon binge eating.
His research experiencee is embedded in the broader efforts of the Neuroscience Department, which advances discovery at the interface of genetics, brain function, and disease. These programs span population genomics, brain circuit regulation, neurodevelopmental disorders, and tumor biology. Studies on the Turkish Variome have generated a detailed map of population-specific genetic variation, offering new insights into admixture, rare alleles, and medically relevant variants that provide a foundation for disease gene discovery. In neurodevelopmental research, dysregulation of the mTOR pathway has been identified as a converging mechanism in genetically distinct forms of lissencephaly, with patient-derived cerebral organoids used to model disease progression and explore therapeutic strategies. Complementing these genetic and developmental studies, investigations into hypothalamic circuits regulating feeding behavior uncovered a novel neuronal population in the dorsomedial hypothalamus that constrains food intake, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms of energy balance.
As a lab, we have achieved significant milestones, including securing competitive research grants such as TÜBİTAK 1001 and TÜSEB, which support our ongoing studies on the neuronal mechanisms underlying binge eating, anxiety, and obesity. Our lab has also pioneered the use of advanced molecular techniques to manipulate neuronal circuits, enhancing our understanding of metabolic behaviors. Additionally, we are committed to mentoring young scientists, providing them with the training and expertise necessary to excel in neuroscience and molecular biology.
Vision
Dr. Çağlar envisions leading a research team that not only pushes the boundaries of knowledge in neuroscience but also translates these discoveries into practical treatments for metabolic and behavioral disorders. His approach emphasizes fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive lab environment where team members are encouraged to pursue bold research ideas.
Approach
As a Principal Investigator, he focuses on creating a research-driven environment that encourages hands-on learning and collaboration, preparing aspiring scientists for innovative work. His aim is to guide students in mastering advanced techniques in neuroscience and metabolic research, while promoting interdisciplinary exploration.
BILSAB greatly supports this mission by providing state-of-the-art facilities, funding, and access to a diverse academic community. The institute enables me to offer students valuable research opportunities, international partnerships, and training programs that build essential skills for academic and industry careers. Through these resources, I contribute to fostering a dynamic scientific culture in Turkey where young researchers can thrive.A conclusion that well represents your work and scientific endeavor.
About the team
Projects
Caner Çağlar Yüksek Kalorili Diyet İndüklü Obezite ile DMHPpp1r17 Nöronları ve Bu Nöronlardaki Nitrik Oksit Sinyal Yolağı Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi In Revision
Caner Çağlar Dmhpdyn Nöronlarının Agresyon Üzerinde Etkisinin Incelenmesi In Revision
Caner Çağlar DMHPPP1R17 Nöronları, Anksiyete ve Tıkınırcasına Yemek Yeme Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi Ongoing
Caner Çağlar Obezite ile Ilişkilendirilmiş Steap1b, Kcnq5 ve Ucp1 Genlerinin Hastalık Patogenezindeki Rollerinin Araştırılması ve Moleküler Karakterizasyonu Ongoing
Lab alumni
Miraç Keleştemur is a Ph.D. student in Biophysics at Istanbul University with a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a master's degree in Biophysics from Fırat University. His research at ÇağlarLab centers on understanding neural circuits and feeding behavior, with a focus on mastering advanced techniques like electrophysiology and fiber photometry. Miraç's dedication and motivation play an important role in supporting the team's mission to advance knowledge in neuroscience.
Beyza Kinsiz Gürsoy (Research Asisstant/PhD Student)
Beyza Kinsiz Gürsoy is a Biotechnology Ph.D. student with a master's degree in Neuroscience from Bezmialem University. Her research focuses on innovative approaches to understanding brain circuits, behavior, and neurogenetics. Beyza plays a key role in guiding the scientific direction of the team, ensuring that all projects contribute to advancing knowledge in neuroscience.
Fatmanur Deniz
Fatmanur Deniz is a Biotechnology Master's student with a bachelor's degree in Bioengineering. She is passionate and dedicated, focusing her research on Neuroscience at Bezmialem University. In addition to her studies, Fatmanur works as a lab technician, actively participating in experiments using cutting-edge tools. Her enthusiasm and determination significantly contribute to the team's success in advancing knowledge in the field.
Ongoing Grants
Investigating the relationship between Dmhppp1r17 neurons, anxiety, and binge eating (TÜBİTAK 1001)
Examining the relationship between high-calorie diet-induced obesity and DMHPPP1R17 neurons, as well as the nitric oxide pathway in these neurons (TÜSEB)
Selected Publications
M. Ece Kars, A. Nazlı Başak, O. Emre Onat, Kaya Bilguvar, Jungmin Choi, Yuval Itan, Caner Çağlar, ... & Jeffrey M. Friedman, Tayfun Özçelik (2021) Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Caglar, C., & Friedman, J. (2021). Restriction of food intake by PPP1R17-expressing neurons in the DMH. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(13).
Schneeberger, M., Caglar, C., Azevedo, E., ... & Friedman, J. M. (2018). Functional analysis reveals differential effects of glutamate and MCH neuropeptide in MCH neurons. Molecular metabolism
Erson-Omay EZ, Henegariu O, Omay SB, Carrión-Grant G, Clark VE, Çağlar C. Longitudinal analysis of treatment-induced genomic alterations in gliomas. Genome Medicine Jerber, J., Zaki, M. S., E., ... & Caglar C. (2016). Biallelic Mutations in TMTC3, Encoding a Transmembrane and TPR-Containing Protein, Lead to Cobblestone Lissencephaly. The American Journal of Human Genetics.
Erson-Omay, E. Z., B., Özduman, K., Caglar C .... (2015). Somatic POLE mutations cause anultramutated giant cell high-grade glioma subtype with better prognosis. Neuro-oncology, Mishra-Gorur, K., Henegariu, O., Vonhoff, F., Caglar C ... & Baran, B. (2014). Mutations in KATNB1 cause complex cerebral malformations by disrupting asymmetrically dividing neural progenitors. Neuron
Ahmet Okay Caglayan, Jacob F. Phillip B. Murray, Caner Caglar... Knobloch Syndrome: Expanding Brain Phenotypic Spectrum and Review of the Literature. Pediatric Neurology
Ahmet Okay Caglayan, Caner Caglar, Duygu Dolen... NGLY1 Mutation Causes Neuromotor Impairment, Intellectual Disability, and Neuropathy. European Journal of Medical Genetics.
Ashleigh E. Schaffer, Veerle R.C., Caner Caglar ... Frank Baas, Joseph G. Gleeson. CLP1 Founder Mutation Links tRNA Splicing and Maturation to Cerebellar Development and Neurodegeneration. CELL
A. Degerliyurt, G. Akgumus, C. Caglar, K. Bilguvar and A.O Caglayan. New Patient with Anderman Syndrome: An underdiagnosed Clinical Genetics Entity?. Clinical Genetics
