Alperen Taciroglu
Contact info
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Address
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR)
Department of Complex Trait Genetics
Research Building
De Boelelaan 1100
1081 HZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands -
E-mail
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Phone
Short CV
| 2025-present | Postdoctoral Researcher | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam |
| 2018-2025 | PhD in Medical Informatics | Middle East Technical University |
| 2016-2018 | MSc Bioinformatics | Middle East Technical University |
| 2005-2013 | BSc Molecular Biology and Genetics | Bilkent University |
Research
My research background combines computational and experimental approaches in biological sciences. I was initially trained as both a computational biologist and wet-lab scientist during my Bachelor’s degree, but found myself more interested in computational work, which led me to focus on computational biology full-time in my senior year.
During my Master’s research, I developed a tool that uses microRNA-mRNA network interactions with gene expression data to identify candidate microRNA targets that are important in regulating biological pathways.
My research focus then shifted towards evolutionary biology during my PhD studies, where I combined evolutionary analyses with structural bioinformatics. This approach was useful for addressing translational questions, particularly in understanding how genetic variants impact some of the largest proteins in the human genome. I focused on three proteins: the Triple functional domain protein (TRIO), Obscurin, and Titin—all large, complex proteins with diverse functions. This work demonstrated how evolutionary biology at the molecular scale can connect fundamental evolutionary principles with clinically relevant applications, informing our understanding of human genetic variation and disease.
I am currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Complex Trait Genetics laboratory supervised by Danielle Posthuma, where I am working to combine evolutionary biology and structural bioinformatics approaches to understand the biological pathways underlying brain disorders. This research extends my previous work by applying evolutionary and structural perspectives to the complex genetics of neurological conditions.
Social Media:
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alptaciroglu.bsky.social
Awards:
Research Universities Support Program | Council of Higher Education Turkey | 2024
EMBO Scientific Exchange Grants | 2022
Primary Subjects R&D Funding Program | Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey | 2018
2211/A National PhD Scholarship Program | Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey | 2018
100/2000 Doctoral Fellowship | Council of Higher Education Turkey | 2018
Comprehensive Undergraduate Scholarship | Bilkent University | 2005
Undergraduate Scholarship Program | Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey | 2005