Sabri Ülker Center’s research promises new treatments for metabolic disorders

Led by Gökhan Hotamışlıgil from the Harvard University TH Chan School of Public Health Department of Genetics & Complex Diseases, the center shared its results in Istanbul on May 5. 

Hotamışlıgil said the research carried out at the Sabri Ülker Center offered significant achievements for the betterment of human health. “We want to uncover [the] functions of certain items ingested with foods, while ensuring protection against degeneration caused by metabolic diseases and aging. We have gained new insights into structural and biologic changes inside the cells causing dysfunctions as part of obesity and [are] currently developing innovative tools to treat metabolic diseases. Research carried out at the center will be inspirational not only for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases, but also for the discoveries that will make life longer and healthier,” he said. 

The Sabri Ülker Center studies several different topics, including how body cells utilize the foods we eat and the relationship between foods and diseases. It also includes the latest developments in the practices of prevention and treatment of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and associated disorders. The center’s work continues to be featured in the most prestigious magazines of the scientific world, including Nature Medicine, Cell Metabolism and Science, which are acclaimed as “high impact factors,” according to representatives from the center. 

“By supporting the Harvard University Sabri Ülker Center, we have aimed to inspire the creation of a similar scientific environment in Turkey. Today, we are forging ahead with the same determination. As the third largest biscuits company in the world, we have expanded the region where we do business and where we feel responsible... This is why it is important for us to support such projects for the improvement of public health. Projects undertaken at the Sabri Ülker Center promise hope for each of us,” said Ali Ülker, vice chairman of Yıldız Holding.

He noted the Sabri Ülker Foundation was acting towards countering the spread of information pollution in nutrition, food and healthcare in Turkey as well. 

Alongside the new research providing insights into the mechanisms linking metabolism and diseases, new approaches in the prevention and treatment of obesity, diabetes and associated disorders were discussed in depth in the 2015 report published by the Sabri Ülker Center Genetics and Complex Diseases Laboratory. 

Prof. Brian Kobilka, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2012, was the guest of honor at the symposium, where promising scientific research was discussed. 

Turkish scientist Assistant Prof. Kıvanç Birsoy, the director of the Laboratory of Metabolic Regulation and Genetics at Rockefeller University in the U.S., was awarded the Sabri Ülker International Science Award.