Principal Investigator
Prof. Dr. Filiz Onat, MD, PhD
Prof. Dr. Filiz Onat is a distinguished neuropharmacologist with over 35 years of experience in epilepsy research. She leads the Onat Lab at Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis and neurodevelopmental diseases.
Current Positions
- Department Head, Medical Pharmacology — Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Faculty of Medicine
- Department Head, Neuroscience — Acıbadem University, Institute of Health Sciences
Research Expertise
- Neuropharmacology
- Epilepsy & Epileptogenesis
- Neurodevelopmental Diseases
- Brain Research & Circuit Dysfunction
Professional Memberships
- International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)
- European Epilepsy Academy (EUREPA)
- Society for Neuroscience
- Turkish Pharmacology Association
- Turkish Epilepsy Association
- Brain Research Association
Editorial Roles
- Epilepsia (2012-present)
- Frontiers in Pharmacology (2021–present)
- Epilepsy & Behavior Reports (2019–2024)
Research Focus
Epilepsy & Epileptogenesis
Investigating the molecular and circuit-level mechanisms underlying the transition from a normal to a seizure-prone brain, using the GAERS genetic model of absence epilepsy. Our work spans from gene expression profiling to pharmacological intervention studies.
Neurodevelopmental Diseases
Studying genetic and molecular factors that contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on genetically engineered experimental models. This includes understanding how early brain development influences disease susceptibility.
Translational Neuropharmacology
Bridging basic neuroscience research with potential therapeutic applications. Our lab identifies novel drug targets through transcriptomic analysis and validates them using pharmacological approaches in preclinical models.
GEMSTONE Project
European Commission Horizon Europe Program
Genetically Engineering Experimental Models
GEMSTONE — "Genetically Engineering Experimental Models: Enhancement of Scientific and Technological Excellence and Innovation Potential to Study Neurodevelopmental Diseases"
Led by Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, GEMSTONE advances scientific and technological capacity for studying neurodevelopmental diseases — particularly Parkinson's disease and epilepsy — through genetically engineered experimental models and collaboration with leading European institutions.
Objectives
- Advance gene engineering technologies and neuroscience research capabilities
- Enable bilateral exchange of scientific knowledge with high-ranking European institutions
- Investigate neurodevelopment and chemogenetic modulation of cortical layer 6b in absence epilepsy
- Explore alpha-synuclein distribution in conditional SNCA transgenic mice
- Transfer knowledge and skills for in-house genetically engineered animal model production
Project Details
Call: HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03
Grant Number: 101078981
Duration: October 2023 – September 2025
Coordinator & PI:
Prof. Filiz Onat, MD, PhD
Consortium Partners
- Acıbadem University (ACU) — Coordinator
- Lund University (ULUND) — Neuroscience & transgenic models
- Fondazione ICONS — Dissemination & communication
Selected Publications
Prof. Dr. Filiz Onat — PubMed Indexed Publications
Lab Gallery
