Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases pose significant threats to animal health, animal welfare, and production sustainability, particularly in livestock or aquaculture sectors. CRISPR/Cas technologies provide novel opportunities for the detection and diagnosis of viral pathogens, for understanding host–pathogen interactions, and for the development of targeted antiviral interventions.
Our research interests focus on improving the health and welfare of livestock and/or aquaculture species through (i) the development of CRISPR-guided nucleic acid detection methods targeting viral pathogens and (ii) strategies aimed at modifying or terminating the genomic structure and functional activity of viral pathogens. Within the framework of the EUPAHW 2026 call, we are particularly interested in contributing to SRIA Actions OO7 A2 (development of CRISPR/Cas-based tools to support drug development and microbiome/pathogen analysis) and OO7 A3 (development of interventions and treatments based on these tools), with a focus on CRISPR/Cas-based therapeutic strategies.
Development of CRISPR-Guided Nucleic Acid Detection Methods Targeting Viral Pathogens
The high transmission rates of viruses, together with rapid genomic mutations and viral evolution, increase the need for innovative detection and diagnostic methods. Conventional diagnostic technologies are predominantly PCR-based, often requiring expensive equipment and specialized personnel. We aim to develop CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostic systems that are easy to use, accurate, and sensitive, and that can be deployed in low-resource settings such as rural livestock areas, border control points, or emergency situations.
Development of CRISPR/Cas-Based Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Viral Pathogen Genomic Structure and Function
CRISPR/Cas systems represent powerful tools for inhibiting viral genome replication, integration, transcription, or translation within the host. Such approaches aim to provide alternatives or complementary strategies to existing antiviral drugs and treatments whose efficacy may be reduced due to viral mutations or non-specific mechanisms.
To enable effective therapeutic application, safe and efficient delivery strategies must be developed for CRISPR/Cas systems, including in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo approaches adapted to the target animal species.
We are seeking collaboration with public and private partners interested in these areas or currently active in related research fields. Through such partnerships, we aim to co-develop innovative products and contribute to preclinical validation and field studies in relevant animal species, with the goal of advancing solutions toward practical veterinary application.

Tissuecare Biyoteknoloji A.Ş. is a Türkiye-based SME focused on the development of biotechnology products for veterinary diagnostics and therapeutic applications. The company is actively engaged in translational research aiming at CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostic and antiviral intervention platforms targeting viral pathogens affecting livestock and aquaculture species.
Our activities are conducted in close collaboration with Yıldız Technical University (YTU), a major public research university in Istanbul with strong expertise in molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. The project team includes postdoctoral researchers and PhD-level scientists specialized in molecular virology, genome engineering, extracellular vesicle biology, and computational guide RNA design.
We operate BSL-2 laboratory facilities equipped for:
• Molecular biology and genome editing studies
• Viral nucleic acid detection and characterization
• Cell culture and tissue culture applications
• Biochemical and microbiological analyses
Our infrastructure supports in vitro and preclinical validation studies, including development of CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection tools and antiviral intervention strategies. The team has experience in translational research, prototype development, and technology validation with the objective of advancing solutions toward field applicability in veterinary settings.
We are particularly interested in industrial collaboration for co-development, validation, scale-up, and future commercialization of CRISPR-based veterinary diagnostic and therapeutic platforms.