Congratulations to Oktay CAKIL on the acceptance of his thesis!

Summary of his research:
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited form of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. FXS results from the absence of the FMRP protein, an RNA-binding protein. Recently, the lab discovered that the mRNA most strongly bound by FMRP in neurons is the mRNA of diacylglycerol kinase kappa (DGKk), and in the absence of FMRP, the expression of the DGKk protein is significantly altered. During his thesis, Oktay demonstrated that the re-expression of DGKk in the brain of Fmr1-KO mice using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector corrects the major phenotypes of FXS at a post-developmental stage. Additionally, he identified the binding site of FMRP on the DGKk mRNA and contributed to understanding the mechanism by which FMRP regulates the translation of DGKk. Finally, he highlighted the neurological functions of DGKk by characterizing the Dgkk-KO mouse model, which reproduces FXS-like phenotypes. Thus, this study demonstrates the crucial role of DGKk in the brain and its contribution to FXS, providing a new model of the mechanism by which FMRP regulates the expression of a major mRNA target.

Skills acquired at IGBMC:
During his thesis, Oktay learned to build a research project from hypothesis formulation to result interpretation. This experience allowed him to develop technical skills and improve his reflection and organizational abilities. He also learned a great deal by collaborating with other researchers, exchanging ideas, and integrating diverse opinions to refine his approach.

Life at IGBMC:
What he particularly appreciated at IGBMC was the diversity of research topics and the dynamic nature of the institute. Frequent seminars allowed him to discover and learn concepts from a wide range of fields. Another major strength of the institute lies in its technical platforms, staffed with highly qualified experts, who provided him with valuable support and allowed him to effectively advance his project.

Collaborations:
The diversity of the institute's themes enabled him to collaborate with several people from the institute, platforms, and research teams, which led to major breakthroughs in his subject.

Funding and Partners:
IMCBio funded his thesis, and the Fragile X France family association funded his fourth year of the thesis.

Future projects:
Oktay plans to stay at IGBMC for about a year to finalize his project, after which he hopes to pursue a post-doctoral position abroad.