A research culture based on scientific facts and respectful of nature.
An interdisciplinary team comprised of graduates from diverse fields and pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in various disciplines.
Projects developed using the most up-to-date techniques in the fields of Molecular Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics.
eDNA European Network founding member
Alien Challenge and DNAqua-Net are a partnership between the two largest scientific actions in rock science under the European Union's COST Programme.
Research and application infrastructure entirely funded from outside the university.
Working Groups
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the name given to DNA obtained from cellular materials (e.g., skin, mucus, feces, feathers, gametes, and other biological remains) that organisms leave behind in their environment. Found in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, eDNA is sampled from natural environments such as water, soil, and air and used in biodiversity monitoring and environmental assessment studies. This method enables the genetic monitoring of ecosystems without harming organisms, thus offering a research approach based on respect for the lives of all living things in nature.
eDNA metabarcoding is a powerful molecular technique that automates the biodiversity monitoring process by targeting this genetic material. By identifying the DNA barcodes of species, this method offers unique opportunities for the early detection of rare, endemic, and invasive species. It also enables habitat monitoring of threatened species, habitat conservation, and the tracking of the ecological impacts of environmental changes.
The Evolutionary Genetics Laboratory (eGL) conducts its research aimed at conserving Türkiye's aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity using environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding techniques. As a representative of iBOL, one of Europe's largest biodiversity initiatives, and TurkBOL at the national level, our laboratory contributes to species monitoring and biodiversity management projects. This technique, which allows for monitoring species without putting them under stress, directly supports our vision for environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Fieldwork
The first step in eDNA analysis is the direct collection of biological materials from natural environments. Samples of water, soil, snow, and air, as well as biological remains from animals such as feces, feathers, skin, and shells, are included in the sampling process. Our field work covers a wide range of areas, from monitoring invasive species in aquatic ecosystems to determining habitat use by wildlife species.
The sampling process is carried out within the framework of scientific ethics, without disrupting the ecosystem balance, even in the most sensitive natural areas. Our field team meticulously collects environmental data to trace the genetic footprint of numerous species in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Laboratory Analyses
In the laboratory, the process of isolating DNA from samples brought from the field and preparing them for genetic analysis begins. Water and air samples are filtered to isolate DNA molecules, while soil and other biological materials are processed using special protocols.
Thanks to the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies used in eGL's laboratories, detailed analysis of genetic material is possible. High-sensitivity DNA extraction protocols enable us to reliably analyze even the smallest amounts of genetic material. This process forms the basis of many conservation projects, such as monitoring endangered species, early detection of invasive species, and the creation of biodiversity maps.
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is the fundamental analysis process for studying environmental DNA (eDNA). eGL's bioinformatics team takes genetic data from sequencing devices, analyzes it, and transforms complex biological datasets into meaningful results.
Firstly, genetic traces of all organisms in water, soil, and air samples are identified through bioinformatic analyses following sequencing. Genetic data are used for species identification, phylogenetic analysis, and ecological modeling, contributing to biodiversity databases. Bioinformatic analyses strengthen Türkiye's local genetic databases, providing a foundation for national and international research.
Fields of Study
Our research focuses on biodiversity, ecosystem health, and species conservation using molecular biology and genetics-based approaches.
The Evolutionary Genetics Laboratory is the Turkish partner of the European Reference Genome Atlas (eRGA) .
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