Assoc. Prof. GÖKHAN DURUKSU

Following his undergraduate degree in Food Engineering in 2001, Gökhan Duruksu began his doctoral studies in Biotechnology at the Institute of Natural Sciences, Middle East Technical University. He earned his doctorate in 2007 with a dissertation titled, " Expression and analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus endo beta-1,4-mannanase in heterologous host organisms". Prior to graduation, he spent a year as a visiting researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany. In 2009, he joined Kocaeli University as a Research Assistant at the Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapies Research and Application. He subsequently received the titles of Assistant Professor in 2011 and Associate Professor in 2020. He continues his research at the Center while teaching graduate students in the Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences.

His research primarily focuses on mesenchymal stem cell research, utilizing cells derived from various sources such as Wharton's jelly, adipose tissue, dental pulp, and bone marrow. He has contributed to studies exploring the potential applications of these stem cells in neural regeneration, fertility recovery, pancreatic islet function, and ocular health. Additionally, his stem cell research investigates mitochondrial biology, particularly its role in stem cell function, differentiation, and therapeutic applications through mitochondrial transfer in degenerative diseases.

As of 2025, his work has been published in over 60 international journals indexed in SCI, and he has presented over 50 abstracts at international and national conferences. Additionally, he has contributed three book chapters on stem cells and translated two book chapters on developmental biology. His publications have received 1426 citations (SCI indexed, December 2024). At Kocaeli University, he has supervised numerous master's and doctoral theses, including nine master's theses and two PhD theses focused on stem cell research. He has participated in a total of 55 R&D projects, with 33 supported by the University Research Support Unit and 22 by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) or TÜSEB (Health Institutes of Türkiye). Furthermore, he has lectured and served on the organizing committees of 20 national practical courses and one international summer school on stem cell and tissue engineering.