A research project from the Department of Histology and Embryology at the Veterinary Faculty of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) has earned the backing of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) under its 1002 Program.
The project, titled "Characterization and Comparative Evaluation of Stem Cells Derived from Bovine Milk and Colostrum during Different Lactation Periods," is led by faculty member Prof. Dr. Şerife Tütüncü. This project also forms a part of the doctoral thesis of Research Assistant Nurcan Delice, a PhD student in the same department.
Furthermore, the study will be conducted at the Veterinary Faculty's Department of Histology and Embryology and the Stem Cell Application and Research Center (KÖKMER), where Instructor Melek Yüce will serve as an advisor.
Supported by TÜBİTAK, the project aims to comparatively evaluate the Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) potential in bovine colostrum (the first milk given by the mother to the offspring in the first 4-5 days after birth) and milk from cows in different lactation stages, highlighting their distinctions.
Prof. Dr. Tütüncü noted the groundbreaking nature of this study, stating, "While the presence of MSCs in bovine milk and their application in regenerative medicine is documented in the literature, the absence of a comparison involving colostrum and milk from various lactation periods was a significant factor in gaining support for this project."
Emphasizing the potential use of bovine milk stem cells in numerous fields, Prof. Dr. Tütüncü highlighted the importance of harvesting these cells during their most abundant phases, a key parameter in enhancing the product's effectiveness. This project aims to address this gap with its original approach.
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