Welcome to SONLab

Biological Sciences • Middle East Technical University

Currently, our research focuses on identifying protein-protein interactions by quantitative Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements and fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) analysis in live cells. We are interested in G-protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) dimerization and the effects of post-translational modifications and ligand interactions on receptor dimerization.

In the analysis of the data produced by the aforementioned methods, we develop bioinformatics tools of our own, mainly focused on deep learning and image processing. Recently, we have introduced a new high-throughput FRET analysis tool, which is open for free public use.

We are also interested in molecular docking and drug screening for novel discoveries as well as drug repurposing. We dock ligands with target receptors/proteins using various software tools and perform validation experiments for top hits per disease model investigated.

In our lab, we both utilize in vitro experimental techniques and develop and use in silico bioinformatics tools to make use of the data we produce in the best way.

Explore Our Research Docking Platform Dashboard

Our Research

At SONLab, we're pushing the boundaries of cellular signaling and molecular dynamics through cutting-edge research. Our work focuses on understanding the intricate mechanisms of protein-protein interactions and developing innovative tools to study them.

Regulation of Raf Activity by KRas Dimerization

Investigating the fundamental mechanism of Raf activation, specifically examining whether KRas homodimerization is essential or if monomeric KRas can drive downstream signaling. Our research explores KRas-Gα heterodimerization and the impact of various KRas mutations on signaling outcomes in cancer and neuronal contexts.

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K-Ras/G-alpha Heterodimerization Effects

Exploring the controversial mechanism of Raf activation by K-Ras, with a focus on the potential role of K-Ras forming heterodimers with Gα proteins. This research aims to resolve key controversies in cell signaling and uncover novel regulatory mechanisms with implications for cancer biology and neurology.

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Microscope Automation & Image Analysis

Developing standardized autonomous control systems for confocal microscopes and creating in-house Python software for automated image acquisition and processing. This project aims to eliminate human error and improve efficiency in molecular interaction studies through advanced automation and machine learning.

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Our Team

Çağdaş Devrim SON

Çağdaş Devrim SON

Prof. Dr.

Biological Sciences

Group Head

Orkun CEVHEROĞLU

Orkun CEVHEROĞLU

Asst. Prof. Dr.

Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

Research Collaborator

Onur BALOĞLU

Onur BALOĞLU

PhD Student

Biology

Tolgahan Suat SEZEN

Tolgahan Suat SEZEN

PhD Student

Biochemistry

Deniz ÇABUK

Deniz ÇABUK

PhD Student

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Ahmet Zübeyir NURSOY

Ahmet Zübeyir NURSOY

PhD Student

Biochemistry

Betül YİYEN

Betül YİYEN

PhD Student

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Soha WASIM

Soha WASIM

PhD Student

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Pardis SAFARNEZHAD

Pardis SAFARNEZHAD

MSc Student

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Ece ODABAŞI

Ece ODABAŞI

MSc Student

Molecular Biology and Genetics

Ezgi ADIGÜZEL

Ezgi ADIGÜZEL

MSc Student

Biochemistry

Special Project Students (Spring 2026)

Selen Su KANTEMİR

Selen Su KANTEMİR

SP Student

Supervisor: Tolgahan S. SEZEN

Ezgi ÖZKURT

Ezgi ÖZKURT

SP Student

Supervisor: Soha WASIM

Eshgin Rahimli

Eshgin Rahimli

SP Student

Supervisor: Betül YİYEN