Project to decode genetics

Asst. Prof. Dr. Bilçağ Akgün, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), will develop an 'analysis program' that will easily interpret the genetic tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. The program, developed with a special software, will examine the results of people's gene structures in detail, and will give results in 2-4 hours. The project, to which TUBITAK provides 200 thousand TL support, will also reduce the workload of physicians. Physicians who will benefit from the program will not have to examine for hours to interpret the test results and will quickly make their diagnosis for their patients.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Bilçağ Akgün (30), Faculty of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), who started his studies by establishing a company named 'GENEO', will complete the project in one year. Performing many studies on DNA and bioinformatics while doing his doctorate in genetics, the analysis program to be prepared by Asst. Prof. Dr. Akgün can be easily downloaded to the computer. The program will immediately begin the examination, with the transfer of data on the person's genetic testing. The system will focus on whether there is a change in the person's gene or chromosome. If such a situation is detected, the reasons for this will be identified with the support of the program. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Onay, owner of a genetics laboratory, and Tolga Evcimen, a software engineer will also support Asst. Prof. Dr. Akgün during the project. Asst. Prof. Dr. Akgün stated that genetic tests play an important role in the early diagnosis of many diseases, especially cancer, neurological and developmental diseases.

INTEREST IN GENETIC TESTS INCREASED

Stating that the number of genetic tests has increased significantly recently, Asst. Prof. Dr. Akgün stated that the purpose of developing the program is to provide convenience to physicians. Asst. Prof. Dr. Akgün said, “A gene is a part of the DNA chain that carries the inherited characteristics of the person and ensures that these characteristics are passed down from generation to generation. The most important purpose of genetic testing is to detect changes in genes and DNA. Because these changes provide us with a road map regarding the genetic predispositions of the person. Accurate identification of these changes is very important in terms of preventing diseases that may occur in the future. Because if genetic testing says you have a high risk of developing a disease later in life, you can go for more regular checkups and keep the risk to a minimum.”

TEST RESULTS ARE DETAILED AND LONG

Asst. Prof. Dr. Akgün continued as follows: “Genetic testing involves an in-depth examination of the person. At this point, the test results are also quite detailed and long. Physicians need time to interpret these results and examine all the details one by one. The analysis program we will implement will relieve physicians in this regard. The program we will prepare will focus entirely on the test results. I am conducting my studies by using the facilities of the University. We are currently focused on the software part. The Project Development and Technology Transfer Office within the University also contributed greatly to the fact that the project received support from TUBITAK. My goal is to complete the program in one year, but the project can be finished in less time