Serkan Kir

Serkan Kir is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Koc University. His research focuses on cancer cachexia, metabolism in oncology, and the physiological interactions between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. He obtained his PhD from UT Southwestern Medical Center (2011) and a Bachelor's degree from Bilkent University (2006).

• Education:
  • PhD, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2011
  • Bachelor's Degree, Bilkent University, 2006

Research Interests:
Cancer cachexia, metabolism, and tissue physiology are central themes in his work. He investigates:

• Mechanisms of tumor-induced muscle wasting
• Adipose tissue thermogenesis and browning
• Cytokine signaling (e.g., interleukin-6 family, Oncostatin M)
• Role of EDA2R-NIK and PTHrP pathways in cachexia
• Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in metabolic disorders
• Therapeutic targeting of HDACs and receptor signaling

Recent Publication Trends:
His work spans translational cancer biology, metabolic reprogramming during cachexia, and receptor-ligand interactions driving tissue wasting. Key areas include fibroblast growth factor signaling, bile acid metabolism, and interventions for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.