Name: Betul Balci      
            Izmir Institute of Technology

Visiting Period: January 26^th (Mon), 2026 - February 27^th (Fri), 2026

Country: Turkey

Lab: Miharada Lab

Q1. Summary of the internship (Description of the research conducted, aim, introduction of lab, and things you learned)

I completed a 5-week internship at the Proteostasis in Stem Cell Lab under the supervision of Prof. Miharada, working on projects related to erythropoiesis. Erythropoiesis is the process responsible for red blood cell production, which can be suppressed by tumor-derived factors in certain cancers. During my internship, I studied how these factors affect erythroid development and participated in research on red blood cell maturation in the bone marrow. The first project focused on erythroid enucleation, the process by which red blood cells lose their nucleus during maturation. Although enucleation is commonly observed in vitro and in the spleen, it is less frequently detected in bone marrow, raising questions about whether the process is being overlooked. Since macrophages clear expelled nuclei in bone marrow, we examined erythroid populations after macrophage depletion using clodronate treatment. I participated in mouse bone marrow and spleen isolation, Ter119-based enrichment, cytospin preparation, and flow cytometry analysis. The second project focused on cancer-related anemia. Tumor cells can secrete factors that suppress erythropoiesis, and previous studies identified a candidate regulator. I contributed to establishing a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated  loss-of-function model of the candidate gene, including plasmid preparation, lentiviral production, viral transduction of tumor cells, and puromycin selection.

Q2. What did this experience do for you with respect to your specific career development directions?

This internship was a transformative experience for my academic and professional development. As an undergraduate molecular biology and genetics student, working at IRCMS allowed me to connect theoretical knowledge with hands-on experimental practice. In addition, I improved my scientific communication through lab meetings and developed critical data analysis. Overall, this experience reinforced my motivation to pursue an academic research career and helped shape my future direction.

 

Kumamoto was a very peaceful and inspiring city. I enjoyed exploring the city and visiting historical and natural places, which made my stay more enjoyable. Overall, my time in Japan was a very positive and memorable experience.

Photo2: With my friend at Nara Park, enjoying the famous free-roaming deer 

Message to prospective students

I would highly recommend the IRCMS Internship Program to students passionate about scientific research and hands-on laboratory experience in an international environment. This internship was one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Miharada Lab, as it strengthened my scientific skills, helped clarify my career goals, and created unforgettable memories.

Photo3: Experiencing snowfall in Osaka while visiting the famous Glico Running Man sign.