Berrak Ugur

Berrak Ugur is an Associate Research Scientist in Neuroscience at the Yale School of Medicine. She holds a PhD from Baylor College of Medicine (2018) and a BS in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Boğaziçi University (2011). Her research focuses on the intersection of metabolism and neuronal function, particularly using Drosophila as a model organism. Key projects include studying lipid transfer proteins (e.g., VPS13D, VPS13B) and their roles in Golgi complex dynamics, neurodevelopmental disorders, and synaptic transmission.

Her work integrates cell biology, genetics, and neurobiology to explore mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation in neurons. Collaborations with Pietro De Camilli’s lab and others have led to publications on protein interactions, cellular trafficking, and disease models. Research highlights include discoveries about FAM177A1’s role in neurodevelopmental disorders and the sialylation pathway’s impact on neural resilience.

Publications emphasize membrane dynamics, mitochondrial function, and translational applications. Her lab’s findings contribute to understanding genetic disorders and lipid-related pathologies, bridging basic science with clinical relevance.