Aydan Bulut-Karslioglu

Dr. Aydan Bulut-Karslioglu is a Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, Germany. She leads an independent research laboratory focused on epigenetic regulation of embryonic development and stem cell biology. Her team investigates molecular mechanisms controlling pluripotency, embryonic dormancy, and metabolic signaling during early mammalian development.

Education:

• B.Sc. Chemical Engineering & Biology, Middle East Technical University (2006)
• M.Sc. Molecular Biology & Genetics, Bilkent University (2006-2008)
• Ph.D. Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics (2008-2013)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California San Francisco (2013-2018)

Research Focus: The Bulut-Karslioglu Lab integrates molecular genetics and computational approaches to study: 1) Metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk in embryonic development; 2) Regulation of pluripotent cell states; 3) Molecular control of embryonic diapause; 4) Chromatin dynamics in stem cell fate decisions. Recent work reveals how mTOR signaling and lipid metabolism orchestrate developmental timing.

Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on embryonic dormancy mechanisms, stem cell pluripotency regulation, and metabolic control of development. Key methodological approaches include stem cell-based embryo models, single-cell omics, and chromatin profiling.

Awards & Honors:

• Sofja Kovalevskaja Award (2018) - Enabling independent research group establishment

Advising & Training: Actively mentors doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers. Current team includes 4 PhD students and 1 postdoc. Alumni hold positions at research institutions worldwide including Aarhus University, CRG Barcelona, and MDC Berlin.

Laboratory: The Bulut-Karslioglu Lab utilizes molecular genetics, stem cell culture, genomic technologies, and computational biology. Collaborates with multiple groups at MPIMG including bioinformatics and genomics teams.