Erdal Karaöz

Professor Erdal Karaöz serves as a full Professor in the Histology and Embryology Department at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, where he leads the Stem Cell Research Group. His career spans over three decades with continuous research output from 1993 to present, demonstrating exceptional longevity in stem cell science. The department serves as Turkey's primary hub for mesenchymal stem cell research, with Professor Karaöz bridging basic science and clinical applications through extensive hospital collaborations.

His research interests center on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy across multiple systems. Key focus areas include: neural regeneration for spinal cord injury using dental pulp-derived stem cells, immunomodulatory mechanisms in organ transplantation, diabetes treatment through pancreatic islet regeneration, and bone/cartilage repair for osteoporosis. His work uniquely combines in vitro molecular analysis with sophisticated animal models, particularly rat systems for spinal cord, liver, and diabetes research.

Analysis of his 100+ publications reveals consistent productivity with strategic evolution: early work (1990s-2000s) established foundational knowledge in vitamin E's protective effects and leptin expression, while 2010-2015 focused on MSC differentiation mechanisms. Recent work (2016-present) demonstrates clinical translation through 15+ human case studies and trials, particularly in graft-versus-host disease and cerebral palsy. His lab maintains strong emphasis on comparative analysis between MSC sources (dental pulp vs. Wharton's jelly vs. adipose tissue).

Professor Karaöz actively supervises graduate students through structured mentorship requiring technical mastery before independent research. His lab maintains GMP-compliant facilities with advanced imaging and proteomics capabilities. Current funding comes primarily from TÜBİTAK grants supporting exosome research and clinical translation efforts.

Notable collaborative projects include:

• International Society for Stem Cell Research initiatives on MSC standardization
• Ethics committee leadership for Turkey's stem cell clinical trials
• Editorial roles for Stem Cell Reviews and Reports and Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences