Cingöz Lab

Research

THERAPY RESISTANCE

Therapy resistance remains one of the major challenges limiting successful treatment outcomes in aggressive cancers, particularly glioblastoma (GBM). Despite advances in targeted therapies and conventional treatment strategies, tumor recurrence frequently occurs due to the remarkable ability of tumor cells to adapt under therapeutic pressure. 

Our research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable tumor cells to acquire resistant phenotypes. We investigate how tumor heterogeneity, dynamic cellular adaptation, and alterations in apoptotic signaling pathways contribute to treatment failure. In particular, we aim to understand how both genetic and non-genetic mechanisms regulate resistance programs and allow tumor cells to evade cell death. 

To address these questions, we employ interdisciplinary and translational research approaches that integrate fundamental molecular biology with clinically relevant applications. By combining transcriptomics, CRISPR-based functional genetic screens, advanced computational analyses, and patient-derived primary tumor samples with clinically relevant resistant models, we seek to identify actionable molecular vulnerabilities associated with therapy resistance and develop more effective therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant brain tumors.

                                                      Cingöz et. al., 2021.

TUMOR METABOLISM

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer and plays a critical role in tumor progression, adaptation, and therapeutic resistance. Glioblastoma cells undergo extensive metabolic alterations that support rapid proliferation and survival under stressful conditions such as hypoxia and therapeutic intervention. 

Our laboratory investigates how metabolic pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), glucose utilization, glutamine metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and lipid metabolism contribute to tumor survival and treatment escape. We are particularly interested in understanding how metabolic plasticity enables tumor cells to adapt to changing microenvironmental conditions and sustain resistant phenotypes. 

Using integrative multi-omics approaches that combine metabolomics, functional genetics, computational biology, and in vitro and in vivo experimental systems, our goal is to uncover biologically meaningful and clinically actionable metabolic dependencies. Through collaborative and patient-oriented research, we aim to translate fundamental discoveries into innovative therapeutic opportunities for aggressive brain tumors.