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Murat Gunel

MD, FACS, FAHA, FAANS
Nixdorff-German Professor of Neurosurgery and Professor of Genetics and of Neuroscience; Chair, Neurosurgery; Chief, Neurosurgery, Yale New Haven Health System; Chair, Perioperative Executive Leadership Committee; Member, National Academy of Medicine; Co-Director, Yale Program on Neurogenetics

Contact Information

Murat Gunel, MD, FACS, FAHA, FAANS

Mailing Address

  • Neurosurgery

    PO Box 208082

    New Haven, CT 06520-8082

    United States

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Research Summary

Within the Neurogenetics program, my lab has three major research interests: the first two relate to the molecular genetics and biology of hemorrhagic stroke, focusing on brain aneurysms and cavernous malformations, and the third centers on gene discovery in developmental structural brain disorders (cerebral malformations).

The overall approach of my lab is to start with a focus on gene discovery through modern, cutting edge molecular genetics and moving on to molecular biology and functional analysis of disease in order to design diagnostics and non-invasive novel treatments.

Specialized Terms: Molecular genetics and biology of brain aneurysms and cavernous malformations; Molecular genetics of brain development

Extensive Research Description

  • Molecular Genetics of Intracranial Aneurysms
  • Molecular Genetics and Biology of Cavernous Malformations
  • Cerebral Malformations in Developmental Structural Brain Disorders


Coauthors

Research Interests

Aneurysm; Brain; Genetics; Molecular Biology; Neurobiology; Neurosurgery; Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System

Selected Publications

  • P11.46.A Whole exome sequencing identifies novel SLIT2 mutations in primary CNS lymphomaKaulen L, Erson-Omay E, Henegariu O, Karschnia P, Huttner A, Günel M, Baehring J. P11.46.A Whole exome sequencing identifies novel SLIT2 mutations in primary CNS lymphoma Neuro-Oncology 2022, 24: ii68-ii68. PMCID: PMC9443199, DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac174.235.
  • Abstract 3312: A CRISPR-Cas9 screen in meningioma reveals GCN2/ATF4 is a novel target that enhances the response to radiationBaro M, Gunel M, Moliterno J, Contessa J. Abstract 3312: A CRISPR-Cas9 screen in meningioma reveals GCN2/ATF4 is a novel target that enhances the response to radiation Cancer Research 2022, 82: 3312-3312. DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-3312.
  • The quest to unravel the complex genomics of intracranial aneurysmsBarak T, Günel M. The quest to unravel the complex genomics of intracranial aneurysms Nature Cardiovascular Research 2022, 1: 281-282. DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00051-7.
  • Clinical Implications of the Genomic Profiling of Sporadic Multiple MeningiomasVetsa S, Vasandani S, Barak T, Yalcin K, Jalal M, Nadar A, Aguilera S, Mishra-Gorur K, Miyagishima D, Marianayanam N, Fulbright R, McGuone D, Günel M, Erson-Omay E, Moliterno J. Clinical Implications of the Genomic Profiling of Sporadic Multiple Meningiomas Journal Of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base 2022, 83: s1-s270. DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743783.
  • TRAF7 Mutated Subgroups Differ in Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas with HyperostosisJin L, Vetsa S, Vasandani S, Nadar A, Youngblood M, Gupte T, Barak T, Yalcin K, Aguilera S, Mishra-Gorur K, Blondin N, Gorelick E, Omay S, Pointdujour-Lim R, Judson B, Alperovich M, Aboian M, Marianayagam N, McGuone D, Gunel M, Erson-Omay Z, Fulbright R, Moliterno J. TRAF7 Mutated Subgroups Differ in Sphenoid Wing Meningiomas with Hyperostosis Journal Of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base 2022, 83: s1-s270. DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743640.
  • NF2 Mutant Sporadic Meningiomas Differ Based on Location Relative to the TentoriumVasandani S, Vetsa S, Jalal M, Kanat Y, Marianayagam N, Jin L, Fulbright R, Erson-Omay E, Gunel M, Moliterno J. NF2 Mutant Sporadic Meningiomas Differ Based on Location Relative to the Tentorium Journal Of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base 2022, 83: s1-s270. DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743734.
  • Abstract 105: Polygenic Burden Of Hypertension-related Alleles Leads To Non-traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage At Younger AgesVanent K, Acosta J, Both C, Leasure A, Noche R, Levitt M, Matouk C, Gunel M, Sheth K, Falcone G. Abstract 105: Polygenic Burden Of Hypertension-related Alleles Leads To Non-traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage At Younger Ages Stroke 2022, 53: a105-a105. DOI: 10.1161/str.53.suppl_1.105.
  • EPCO-29. GENOMIC PROFILING OF SPORADIC MULTIPLE MENINGIOMASErson-Omay Z, Barak T, Vetsa S, Nadar A, Miyagishima D, Yalcin K, Aguilera S, Mishra-Gorur K, McGuone D, Fulbright R, Gunel M, Moliterno-Gunel J. EPCO-29. GENOMIC PROFILING OF SPORADIC MULTIPLE MENINGIOMAS Neuro-Oncology 2021, 23: vi8-vi8. DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab196.028.
  • INNV-09. SURGICAL STRATEGIES FOR OLDER PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMABarak T, Hwang L, Chen J, Jin L, Miyagishima D, Yalcin K, Ogilvie S, Antonios J, Theriault B, Huttner A, McGuone D, Lifton N, Blondin N, Corbin Z, Zhang Y, Gunel M, Erson-Omay Z, Fulbright R, Tabar T, Moliterno-Gunel J. INNV-09. SURGICAL STRATEGIES FOR OLDER PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA Neuro-Oncology 2021, 23: vi107-vi107. PMCID: PMC8598632, DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab196.421.
  • NIMG-64. TYPE OF BONY INVOLVEMENT PREDICTS GENOMIC SUBGROUP IN SPHENOID WING MENINGIOMASJin L, Youngblood M, Gupte T, Vetsa S, Nadar A, Barak T, Yalcin K, Aguilera S, Mishra-Gorur K, Blondin N, Omay S, Pointdujour-Lim R, Judson B, Alperovich M, Aboian M, McGuone D, Gunel M, Erson-Omay Z, Fulbright R, Moliterno J. NIMG-64. TYPE OF BONY INVOLVEMENT PREDICTS GENOMIC SUBGROUP IN SPHENOID WING MENINGIOMAS Neuro-Oncology 2021, 23: vi144-vi144. PMCID: PMC8598770, DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab196.562.
  • Abstract P412: Klotho -vS Heterozygosity is Associated With Lower Risk of Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid HemorrhageAcosta J, Szejko N, Torres Lopez V, Both C, Sansing L, Sheth K, Matouk C, Gunel M, Falcone G. Abstract P412: Klotho -vS Heterozygosity is Associated With Lower Risk of Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Stroke 2021, 52 DOI: 10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p412.
  • The Genomic Landscape of MeningiomasZhao A, Youngblood M, Erson-Omay E, Moliterno J, Gunel M. The Genomic Landscape of Meningiomas 2020, 35-55. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59558-6_4.
  • Clinical and Genomic Factors Associated With Seizures in MeningiomasGupte T, Jin L, Li C, Yalcin K, Youngblood M, Miyagishima D, Gorur K, Zhao A, Fulbright R, Omay Z, Gunel M, Moliterno Gunel J. Clinical and Genomic Factors Associated With Seizures in Meningiomas Neurosurgery 2020, 67 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa447_796.
  • NCOG-50. CLINICAL AND GENOMIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEIZURES IN MENINGIOMASGupte T, Jin L, Li C, Yalcin K, Youngblood M, Miyagishima D, Mishra K, Fulbright R, Erson-omay Z, Gunel M, Moliterno J. NCOG-50. CLINICAL AND GENOMIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SEIZURES IN MENINGIOMAS Neuro-Oncology 2020, 22: ii140-ii140. PMCID: PMC7651386, DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa215.588.
  • PATH-39. ASSOCIATIONS OF GENOMIC SUBGROUP WITH RECURRENCE IN LOW-GRADE MENINGIOMASYoungblood M, Miyagishima D, Jin L, Gupte T, Li C, Duran D, Montejo J, Zhao A, Sheth A, Tyrtova E, Özduman K, Iacoangeli F, Peyre M, Boetto J, Pease M, Avşar T, Huttner A, Bilguvar K, Kilic T, Pamir M, Amankulor N, Kalamarides M, Erson-omay Z, Gunel M, Moliterno J. PATH-39. ASSOCIATIONS OF GENOMIC SUBGROUP WITH RECURRENCE IN LOW-GRADE MENINGIOMAS Neuro-Oncology 2020, 22: ii172-ii173. PMCID: PMC7651600, DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa215.720.
  • Micro-RNA Mutations Across Multiple Resections of a Giant Nonfunctional Pituitary AdenomaGummadavelli A, McCarthy L, Erson Z, Vining E, Gunel M, Omay S. Micro-RNA Mutations Across Multiple Resections of a Giant Nonfunctional Pituitary Adenoma Journal Of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base 2020, 81: s1-s272. DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1702680.
  • Abstract 66: Causal Associations Between Genetically-determined Smoking and Risk of Subarachnoid HemorrhageAcosta J, Both C, Brown S, Leasure A, Vanent K, Noche R, Kirsch E, Petersen N, Matouk C, Gunel M, Gill T, Sheth K, Falcone G. Abstract 66: Causal Associations Between Genetically-determined Smoking and Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Stroke 2020, 51 DOI: 10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.66.
  • Abstract 71: Sex and Genetic Predisposition Synergistically Influence Risk of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction in Middle-Aged Persons Without Risk FactorsFalcone G, Acosta J, Leasure A, Vanent K, Noche R, Kirsch E, Petersen N, Schindler J, Sansing L, Gill T, Matouk C, Gunel M, Sheth K. Abstract 71: Sex and Genetic Predisposition Synergistically Influence Risk of Stroke and Myocardial Infarction in Middle-Aged Persons Without Risk Factors Stroke 2020, 51 DOI: 10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.71.
  • GENE-56. MENINGIOMA GENOMIC SUBGROUP AS A PREDICTOR OF POST-OPERATIVE PATIENT OUTCOMES: IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UPYoungblood M, Sheth A, Zhao A, Montejo J, Duran D, Li C, Tyrtova E, Özduman K, Peyre M, Boetto J, Omay S, Kalamarides M, Zeynep Erson-Omay E, Günel M, Moliterno J. GENE-56. MENINGIOMA GENOMIC SUBGROUP AS A PREDICTOR OF POST-OPERATIVE PATIENT OUTCOMES: IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP Neuro-Oncology 2019, 21: vi109-vi110. PMCID: PMC6846980, DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz175.458.
  • Identification of Peptidyl-Prolyl Cis-Trans Isomerase-Like 4 as a Disease Causing Gene in Intracranial Aneurysms and its Role in Vertebrate CNS Specific AngiogenesisBarak T, Sencicek A, Miyagishima D, Henegariu O, Gorur K, Bilguvar K, Gunel M. Identification of Peptidyl-Prolyl Cis-Trans Isomerase-Like 4 as a Disease Causing Gene in Intracranial Aneurysms and its Role in Vertebrate CNS Specific Angiogenesis Neurosurgery 2019, 66: 310-303. DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyz310_303.
  • Outcome Analysis Among Meningioma Genomic Subgroups Identifies Decreased Recurrence Free Survival in PI3K Activated TumorsYoungblood M, Sheth A, Zhao A, Montejo J, Duran D, Li C, Tyrtova E, Ozduman K, Miyagishima D, Boetto J, Peyre M, Omay S, Kalamarides M, Omay Z, Gunel M, Moliterno J. Outcome Analysis Among Meningioma Genomic Subgroups Identifies Decreased Recurrence Free Survival in PI3K Activated Tumors Neurosurgery 2019, 66: 310-646. DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyz310_646.
  • Mutations in TFAP2B and previously unimplicated genes of the BMP, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways in syndromic craniosynostosisTimberlake AT, Jin SC, Nelson-Williams C, Wu R, Furey CG, Islam B, Haider S, Loring E, Galm A, Steinbacher D, Larysz D, Staffenberg D, Flores R, Rodriguez E, Boggon T, Persing J, Lifton R, Lifton RP, Gunel M, Mane S, Bilguvar K, Gerstein M, Loring E, Nelson-Williams C, Lopez F, Knight J. Mutations in TFAP2B and previously unimplicated genes of the BMP, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways in syndromic craniosynostosis Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2019, 116: 15116-15121. PMID: 31292255, PMCID: PMC6660739, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902041116.
  • P04.60 Genomic profile of tumorigenesis in a patient with Turcot syndromeKarschnia P, Erson-Omay E, Huttner A, Fulbright R, Günel M, Baehring J. P04.60 Genomic profile of tumorigenesis in a patient with Turcot syndrome Neuro-Oncology 2018, 20: iii293-iii293. PMCID: PMC6143975, DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy139.294.
  • 116 Exome Sequencing Uncovers Molecular Determinants of Trigeminal NeuralgiaChoi J, Zeng X, Jin S, Gaillard J, Duran D, Nelson-Williams C, Panchagnula S, Dib-Hajj S, Barker F, Sekula R, Waxman S, Gunel M, Lifton R, T. K. 116 Exome Sequencing Uncovers Molecular Determinants of Trigeminal Neuralgia Neurosurgery 2018, 65: 85-86. DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy303.116.
  • 141 Meningioma With Multiple DriversTyrtova E, Li C, Youngblood M, Duran D, Montejo J, Coskun S, Miyagishima D, Bilguvar K, Gunel M. 141 Meningioma With Multiple Drivers Neurosurgery 2018, 65: 94. DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy303.141.
  • 9p24 triplication in syndromic hydrocephalus with diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexusFurey C, Antwi P, Duran D, Timberlake AT, Nelson-Williams C, Matouk CC, DiLuna ML, Günel M, Kahle KT. 9p24 triplication in syndromic hydrocephalus with diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus Molecular Case Studies 2018, 4: a003145. PMID: 29895553, PMCID: PMC6169828, DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a003145.
  • Predictors of Vessel Wall Enhancement in Unruptured Intracranial AneurysmsSommaruga S, Cord B, Santarosa C, Malhotra A, Jonhson M, Sheth K, Gunel M, Herbert R, Bijlenga P, Schaller K, Falcone G, Matouk C. Predictors of Vessel Wall Enhancement in Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Journal Of Neurological Surgery Part A Central European Neurosurgery 2018, 79: s1-s27. DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1660769.
  • Abstract WMP31: Vessel Wall Enhancement is Associated With Clinical and Imaging Markers of Aneurysm InstabilitySommaruga S, Cord B, Molhotra A, Johnson M, Minja F, Gunel M, Sheth K, Herbert R, Melnikov F, Schaller K, Mandell D, Bijlenga P, Falcone G, Matouk C. Abstract WMP31: Vessel Wall Enhancement is Associated With Clinical and Imaging Markers of Aneurysm Instability Stroke 2018, 49 DOI: 10.1161/str.49.suppl_1.wmp31.
  • Production of 2-Hydroxyglutarate by IDH Mutant Malignancies Induces a BRCAness State That Can be Exploited By PARP Inhibitors and RadiationCorso C, Bindra R, Glazer P, Sulkowski P, Robinson N, Scanlon S, Purshouse K, Bai H, Liu Y, Sundaram R, Hegan D, Fons N, Breuer G, Song Y, Mishra-Gorur K, De Feyter H, de Graaf R, Surovtseva Y, Kachman M, Halene S, Gunel M. Production of 2-Hydroxyglutarate by IDH Mutant Malignancies Induces a BRCAness State That Can be Exploited By PARP Inhibitors and Radiation International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2017, 99: e68. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.06.754.
  • 102 Exome Sequencing Identifies Novel Molecular Determinants of Human Congenital HydrocephalusFurey C, Choi J, Duran D, Timberlake A, Zeng X, Nelson-Williams C, Khanna A, Iskandar B, Butler W, Heuer G, Bayri Y, Sahin Y, Limbrick D, Warf B, Duncan C, DiLuna M, Gunel M, Lifton R, Kahle K. 102 Exome Sequencing Identifies Novel Molecular Determinants of Human Congenital Hydrocephalus Neurosurgery 2017, 64: 220. DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx417.102.
  • 168 Wall Enhancement in Unruptured Aneurysms is Associated with Symptomatic Presentation and SizeCord B, Sommaruga S, Hebert R, Malhotra A, Johnson M, Minja F, Gunel M, Sheth K, Falcone G, Matouk C. 168 Wall Enhancement in Unruptured Aneurysms is Associated with Symptomatic Presentation and Size Neurosurgery 2017, 64: 243. DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyx417.168.
  • Personalized Medicine Through Advanced GenomicsYoungblood M, Erson-Omay E, Günel M. Personalized Medicine Through Advanced Genomics 2016, 31-48. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-49864-5_3.
  • GENO-15IDENTIFICATION AND GENOMIC ANALYSIS OF HYPER-MUTATED AND ULTRA-MUTATED GBMSErson-Omay E, Schultz N, Omay S, Ozduman K, Harmanci A, Clark V, Baranoski J, Gunel J, Pamir M, Bilguvar K, Yasuno K, Vortmeyer A, Huttner A, Sander C, Gunel M. GENO-15IDENTIFICATION AND GENOMIC ANALYSIS OF HYPER-MUTATED AND ULTRA-MUTATED GBMS Neuro-Oncology 2015, 17: v94-v94. PMCID: PMC4638807, DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nov215.15.
  • Mutations in the Type IV Collagens, COL4A1 and COL4A2 are Associated with Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm InfantsDiLuna M, Bilguvar K, Louvi A, Bizzarro M, Bayrakli F, Bayri Y, Bydon M, Schneider K, Duncan C, State M, Lifton R, Ment L, Gunel M. Mutations in the Type IV Collagens, COL4A1 and COL4A2 are Associated with Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants Neurosurgery 2009, 65: 419. DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000358727.92507.ea.
  • Linkage and Copy Number Variation Analysis of Large Families and Sibling Pairs Demonstrates Locus Heterogeneity for Familial Intracranial AneurysmsBilguvar K, Bayrakli F, Bayri Y, Ozturk A, DiLuna M, Bydon M, Gunel M. Linkage and Copy Number Variation Analysis of Large Families and Sibling Pairs Demonstrates Locus Heterogeneity for Familial Intracranial Aneurysms Neurosurgery 2007, 61: 198. DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000279890.51914.ec.
  • Contributor's ListBerkovic S, Bilguvar K, Blackstone C, Bloch M, Blumenfeld H, Bredesen D, Bressman S, Brucal M, Burton E, Dalmau J, Dawson T, Dawson V, Depondt C, DiLuna M, DiMauro S, Ferrari M, Fink D, Flügel A, Frants R, Glorioso J, Goadsby P, Goldin A, Gunel M, Harel N, Helbig I, Hemmen T, Hisama F, Hyman B, Ingelsson M, Johnson D, Kamholz J, Kaul M, Kocsis J, Lammers G, Leckman J, Li J, Lipton S, Maragakis N, Mehlen P, Morimoto R, Orton K, Overeem S, Ozelius L, Pandolfo M, Pascual J, Paulson H, Peroutka S, Petroff O, Ransom C, Rao R, Rismanchi N, Rothstein J, Savitt J, Scheffer I, Schon E, Shy M, Strittmatter S, Tafti M, Tanriover G, Todi S, van den Maagdenberg A, Vance J, Vincent A, Voisine C, Waxman S, Wekerle H, Williams A, Wood J, Yang Y, Zivin J. Contributor's List 2007, vii-ix. DOI: 10.1016/b978-012369509-3.50001-9.
  • 13 Hemorrhagic Brain DiseaseDiLuna M, Bilguvar K, Tanriover G, Gunel M. 13 Hemorrhagic Brain Disease 2007, 187-205. DOI: 10.1016/b978-012369509-3.50015-9.
  • Hypertension, Age, and Location Predict Rupture of Small Intracranial AneurysmsNahed B, DiLuna M, Morgan T, Ocal E, Hawkins A, Ozduman K, Kahle K, Chamberlain A, Amar A, Gunel M. Hypertension, Age, and Location Predict Rupture of Small Intracranial Aneurysms Neurosurgery 2005, 57: 676-683. DOI: 10.1093/neurosurgery/57.4.676.
  • 765 Genome-wide Linkage Analysis of Intracranial AneurysmsNahed B, Hawkins A, Diluna M, Seker A, Guclu B, Chamberlain A, State M, Gunel M. 765 Genome-wide Linkage Analysis of Intracranial Aneurysms Neurosurgery 2004, 55: 474. DOI: 10.1097/00006123-200408000-00101.
  • 765 Genome-wide Linkage Analysis of Intracranial AneurysmsNahed B, Hawkins A, Diluna M, Seker A, Guclu B, Chamberlain A, State M, Gunel M. 765 Genome-wide Linkage Analysis of Intracranial Aneurysms Neurosurgery 2004, 55: 474-474. DOI: 10.1227/00006123-200408000-00101.
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