Safinur Atay, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow
Ph.D. - Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Kentucky, 2010
M.S. - Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Kentucky, 2008
M.S. - Immunotechnology, University de la Mediterranee, Luminy, France, 2004
B.A. (3rd grade), Biochemistry, University UFR Sciences, Strasbourg, France, 2000
B.A. (3rd grade) - Biochemistry, University UFR Sciences, Strasbourg, France, 2000

Research Focus

Tumor cells release circular membrane vesicles, called exosomes, consisting of an array of macromolecules derived from the originating cells, including proteins, lipids and RNA. Immunosuppressive exosomes of tumor origin can be found in neoplastic lesions and biologic fluids from cancer patients, implying a potential role of these pathways in in vivo tumor progression. Exosomes released by tumor cells could be used as potential tools for targeting therapeutic interventions and for development of multiplexed prognostic and diagnostic markers.