Affiliation: Department of Genetic and Bioengineering, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University

Dr. Esmahan Durmaz is an assistant professor at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University. She received her PhD from Cardiff University, where her research focused on retinal diseases. Her work centers on the development of neuroprotective strategies for the glaucomatous retina, with the goal of preserving retinal ganglion cell survival and function.

Dr. Durmaz’s research primarily investigates extracellular vesicle– and microRNA-based approaches as potential therapeutic tools for glaucoma and neurodegenerative disorders. She employs a range of experimental models, including in vitro retinal ganglion cell cultures, ex vivo retinal explants, and the in vivo microbead-induced glaucoma rat model, to study disease mechanisms and evaluate neuroprotective interventions. Through her work, Dr. Durmaz aims to advance translational strategies that may contribute to the development of novel treatments for glaucoma and related retinal neurodegenerative conditions.