Ezgi Hacisuleyman

Ezgi Hacisuleyman serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Florida, where she leads the Hacisuleyman Lab focused on RNA-centric mechanisms in neuronal communication and cellular adaptation. Her research bridges molecular biology, neuroscience, and virology with significant contributions to understanding RNA localization, translation dynamics, and viral pathogenesis.

Education

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Harvard University (2010-2015)
• Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, MIT (2006-2010)
• Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics, MIT (2006-2010)

Dr. Hacisuleyman's research centers on RNA biology in neuronal contexts, particularly how localized translation regulates synaptic plasticity. Her lab pioneered proximity-based ribosome profiling to map dendritic translation mechanisms, revealing how eIF4G2-uORF interactions rapidly reprogram protein synthesis in response to neuronal activity. Additional work explores lncRNA-mediated genome organization and viral-host interactions, notably SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and vaccine efficacy. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular techniques with computational analysis to uncover fundamental principles of RNA regulation in health and disease.

Her publication portfolio shows consistent focus on RNA-centric mechanisms across cancer biology, neurodevelopment, and virology. Early work established foundational knowledge of lncRNA functions in genome architecture (Firre locus) and adipogenesis, while recent studies reveal novel cancer dependencies (EXOSC2) and neuronal translation control. The SARS-CoV-2 research during 2021 represents a strategic pivot to address urgent pandemic challenges, demonstrating methodological versatility.

Scientific Awards

• Kavli Neuroscience Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021-2023)
• Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship (2016-2019)

Dr. Hacisuleyman mentors graduate students including Madison Jones (neurological disorders focus) and Ulas Kaplan (5'UTR peptide research), while previously supervising SURF undergraduates. Her active NIH/NIGMS-funded grant "Decoding RNA Localization and Local Translation" supports investigations into cellular adaptation mechanisms. The lab maintains collaborations with Rockefeller University and UCSF, building on her postdoctoral work with Darnell and Weissman.

The Hacisuleyman Lab comprises graduate students, research technicians (including Alexander Valera studying synaptic transmission and Alperen Baran exploring immune-neural connections), and administrative support. Current projects examine small peptide functions in neurons and RNA dysregulation in aging-related pathologies, with infrastructure for advanced molecular profiling and neuronal imaging.