Can Akpınaroğlu, MSc

Can Akpınaroğlu is a Postgraduate Research Associate at Yale School of Medicine, currently working in the Department of Surgery under Dr. Sajid Khan. His research focuses on colorectal cancer biology, liver metastasis, and translational strategies in oncology, integrating transcriptomic, metabolomic, and clinical outcomes data. He contributes to both clinical and molecular workflows, including patient sample collection, obtaining informed consent for biospecimen donation, and performing RNA isolation and purification. His current project investigates sex-specific differences in metastatic colorectal cancer, focusing on how asparagine metabolism disproportionately affects prognosis across sexes, and exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying this disparity.

Previously, Can contributed to the YSL Proteomics group, where he supported proteomic analyses in oncology and molecular medicine. He specialized in sample preparation workflows for mass spectrometry, including in-solution/in-gel protein digestion, phospho-/glycopeptide enrichment, and C18 peptide desalting for DIA-MS studies using the Orbitrap Fusion Lumos platform.

During his M.Sc. at Universität Ulm, he pursued immuno-oncology, conducting independent research in multiple labs. His thesis project involved FACS-based analysis of B-cell receptor signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) patient samples, investigating gain-of-function mutations linked to disease evolution.

As a B.Sc. student at Yeditepe University, he examined telomere-length regulation and aging from a biothermodynamic and entropy-based perspective.

Can aspires to contribute to translational science by bridging high-resolution multi-omic techniques with clinically relevant questions, with the goal of advancing precision oncology. His broader areas of expertise include cancer biology and molecular medicine, and he envisions pursuing medical studies as part of his long-term scientific and clinical focus.

On August 1, 2025, Can Akpınaroğlu stepped up as the Vice President of Public Relations for Yale Postgraduate Association (YPGA).