Dr Özlem Sarikaya Bayram

    Sport Science and Nutrition, Human Health Institute

    Assistant Professor of Nutrition & Health
    Food Safety and Future Foods Laboratory

    Biography

    Research and Academic Background:

    Dr. Sarikaya Bayram is an SFI-IRC Pathways Principal Investigator, currently leading the Sustainable Future Foods and Food Safety Research Group at Maynooth University. Her research focuses on development of sustainable future foods and the epigenetic regulation of mycotoxins, which are significant contaminants in food that affect human and animal health. Her impactful work on food safety was highlighted in Bridge Magazine at Maynooth University in December 2022. Furthermore, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram is interested in nutrigenetics and the development of nutraceuticals as future functional foods.

    Educational Qualifications:

    Dr. Sarikaya Bayram earned her Ph.D. (Dr.rer.nat) summa cum laude from the Göttingen Graduate Centre for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences, at Georg August University, Germany as part of the Max Planck Institute Ph.D. program. This achievement was made possible by securing the highly competitive Excellence Ph.D. Scholarship. Dr. Sarikaya Bayram was also honored with the Elisabeth Gateff Best Ph.D. in Genetics Award by the German Genetics Society, in recognition of her groundbreaking discovery on a methyltransferase complex that epigenetically regulates mycotoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus nidulans, published in Developmental Cell.

    Postdoctoral and Industry Experience:

    Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram secured an IRC Postdoctoral Fellowship to conduct research at Maynooth University, focusing on Aspergillus fumigatus, an opportunistic human pathogen with a high mortality rate. Her contributions during this period include significant publications on the regulation of gliotoxin production and pathogen sporulation control. Additionally, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram investigated host-pathogen interactions, specifically between bone marrow-derived macrophages and Aspergillus fumigatus spores, providing valuable insights into pathogen pathogenicity and mammalian defense mechanisms.

    Dr. Sarikaya Bayram has also gained extensive industry experience in the pharmaceutical sector, specializing in biologics testing for diabetes and breast cancer treatments. This role has equipped her with practical insights into the application of biotechnological advancements in healthcare.

    Publications and Contributions:

    Dr. Sarikaya Bayram is the author of the book Functional Whole Food Plant-Based Nutrition for Longevity, now in its second edition and published in Turkish by Nobel Scientific Press.  The book focuses on preventing global epidemic diseases like diabetes and obesity through the most modifiable lifestyle factor, diet choices—reflecting Dr. Sarikaya Bayram's dedication to public health and nutrition education.

     She is also a functional medicine health coach, supporting people to transform their lives by focusing on the root causes of disease and personalized nutrition based on the genetic backgrounds of individuals.

    Research Impact:

    With over 1,100 citations to her name, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram's research has made a significant impact on the scientific community. Her work continues to influence the fields of food safety, sustainable future foods, epigenetics, mycology, and nutrition, positioning her as a leading expert.

    Future Directions:

    As an Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Health, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram aims to continue advancing research in food safety, sustainable future functional foods, and nutraceuticals. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in epigenetics, biology, and nutrition, will contribute to groundbreaking advancements in disease prevention and public health .

    Dr. Sarikaya Bayram is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence in her research group. Her vision is to create a healthier future through science-based future nutrition, nutrigenetics  and epigenetic research, aligning with the mission and values of Maynooth University.

    Research Interests

    • Prevention of mycotoxins from food sources.
    • Epigenetic regulation of fungal bioactive molecules.
    • Functional future foods. 
    • Fungal enzymes for food processing and production.
    • Human nutrition
    • Fermentation technologies. 

    Research Projects

    Title Role Description Start date End date Amount
    Dissection of the epigenetically controlled gene network in aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus to improve agricultural productivity and food safety PI 01/03/2022 28/02/2026 551685.17
    New Insights into Gliotoxin Importance in Fungal Pathogenicity Principal Investigator 01/10/2014 07/07/2017 91790
    Investigating role of methyltransferase complex in fungal development PhD student 01/01/2011 31/12/2013 52300

    Post Doctoral Fellows / Research Team

    Researcher Name Project Funding Body
    Huong Nguyen Food Safety

    Peer Reviewed Journal

    Year Publication
    2023 Alves de Castro, P; Figueiredo Pinzan, C; Dos Reis, TF; Valero, C; Van Rhijn, N; Menegatti, C; de Freitas Migliorini, IL; Bromley, M; Fleming, AB; Traynor, AM; Sarikaya-Bayram, Ö; Bayram, Ö; Malavazi, I; Ebel, F; Barbosa, JCJ; Fill, T; Pupo, MT; Goldman, GH (2023) 'Aspergillus fumigatus mitogen-activated protein kinase MpkA is involved in gliotoxin production and self-protection'. Nature Communications, 15 (1). [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2023 Borges, BM; Ramos, RBC; Preite, NW; Kaminski, VL; Alves de Castro, P; Camacho, M; Maximo, MF; Fill, TP; Calich, VLG; Traynor, AM; Sarikaya-Bayram, Ö; Doyle, S; Bayram, Ö; de Campos, CBL; Zelanis, A; Goldman, GH; Loures, FV (2023) 'Transcriptional profiling of a fungal granuloma reveals a low metabolic activity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeasts and an actively regulated host immune response'. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 13 . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2023 Sarikaya Bayram, Ö; Bayram, Ö (2023) 'An Anatomy of Fungal Eye: Fungal Photoreceptors and Signalling Mechanisms'. Journal Of Fungi, 5 (9):1-22. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2023 Karahoda, B; Pfannenstiel, BT; Sarikaya-Bayram, Ö; Dong, Z; Ho Wong, K; Fleming, AB; Keller, NP; Bayram, Ö (2023) 'The KdmB-EcoA-RpdA-SntB (KERS) chromatin regulatory complex controls development, secondary metabolism and pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus'. Fungal genetics and biology : FG & B, 169 . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2023 Bauer, I; Sarikaya Bayram, Ö; Bayram, Ö (2023) 'The use of immunoaffinity purification approaches coupled with LC-MS/MS offers a powerful strategy to identify protein complexes in filamentous fungi'. Essays in Biochemistry, 67 (5). [DOI]
    2023 Traynor, A.M., Sarikaya-Bayram, Ö., Bayram, Ö., Calera J.A., and Doyle, S. (2023) 'Proteomic dissection of role of GliZ in gliotoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus'. Fungal Genetics and Biology, 166 (103795). [Link] [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2022 Sarikaya Bayram Ö; Bayram Ö; Karahoda B; Meister C; Köhler AM; Thieme S; Elramli N; Frawley D; McGowan J; Fitzpatrick DA; Schmitt K; de Assis LJ; Valerius O; Goldman GH; Braus GH; (2022) 'F-box receptor mediated control of substrate stability and subcellular location organizes cellular development of Aspergillus nidulans'. PLoS Genetics, 18 (12). [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2022 Karahoda B; Pardeshi L; Ulas M; Dong Z; Shirgaonkar N; Guo S; Wang F; Tan K; Sarikaya-Bayram Ö; Bauer I; Dowling P; Fleming AB; Pfannenstiel BT; Luciano-Rosario D; Berger H; Graessle S; Alhussain MM; Strauss J; Keller NP; Wong KH; Bayram Ö; (2022) 'The KdmB-EcoA-RpdA-SntB chromatin complex binds regulatory genes and coordinates fungal development with mycotoxin synthesis'. Nucleic Acids Research, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2020 Bauer I.; Gross S.; Merschak P.; Kremser L.; Karahoda B.; Bayram Ö.S.; Abt B.; Binder U.; Gsaller F.; Lindner H.; Bayram Ö.; Brosch G.; Graessle S. (2020) 'RcLS2F – A Novel Fungal Class 1 KDAC Co-repressor Complex in Aspergillus nidulans'. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11 . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 Bayram Ö.; Dettmann A.; Karahoda B.; Moloney N.; Ormsby T.; McGowan J.; Cea-Sánchez S.; Miralles-Durán A.; Brancini G.; Luque E.; Fitzpatrick D.; Cánovas D.; Corrochano L.; Doyle S.; Selker E.; Seiler S.; Bayram Ö. (2019) 'Control of development, secondary metabolism and light-dependent carotenoid biosynthesis by the velvet complex of Neurospora crassa'. Journal of Genetics, 212 (3):691-710. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2019 Elramli N; Karahoda B; Sarikaya-Bayram Ö; Frawley D; Ulas M; Oakley CE; Oakley BR; Seiler S; Bayram Ö; (2019) 'Assembly of a heptameric STRIPAK complex is required for coordination of light-dependent multicellular fungal development with secondary metabolism in Aspergillus nidulans'. PLoS Genetics, 15 (3). [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2018 de Assis L.; Ulas M.; Ries L.; El Ramli N.; Sarikaya-Bayram O.; Braus G.; Bayram O.; Goldman G. (2018) 'Regulation of Aspergillus nidulans CreA-mediated catabolite repression by the F-Box proteins Fbx23 and Fbx47'. mBio, 9 (3). [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2018 Frawley D.; Karahoda B.; Sarikaya Bayram Ö.; Bayram Ö. (2018) 'The HamE scaffold positively regulates MpkB phosphorylation to promote development and secondary metabolism in Aspergillus nidulans'. Scientific Reports, 8 (1). [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2017 Valsecchi I; Sarikaya-Bayram Ö; Wong Sak Hoi J; Muszkieta L; Gibbons J; Prevost MC; Mallet A; Krijnse-Locker J; Ibrahim-Granet O; Mouyna I; Carr P; Bromley M; Aimanianda V; Yu JH; Rokas A; Braus GH; Saveanu C; Bayram Ö; Latgé JP; (2017) 'MybA, a transcription factor involved in conidiation and conidial viability of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus'. Molecular Microbiology, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2017 Sarikaya Bayram Ö; Latgé JP; Bayram Ö; (2017) 'MybA, a new player driving survival of the conidium of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus'. Current Genetics, . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2016 Manzanares-Miralles, L; Sarikaya-Bayram, O; Smith, EB; Dolan, SK; Bayram, O; Jones, GW; Doyle, S (2016) 'Quantitative proteomics reveals the mechanism and consequence of gliotoxin-mediated dysregulation of the methionine cycle in Aspergillus niger'. JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS, 131 :149-162. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2014 Sarikaya-Bayram O.; Bayram O.; Feussner K.; Kim J.; Kim H.; Kaever A.; Feussner I.; Chae K.; Han D.; Han K.; Braus G. (2014) 'Membrane-bound methyltransferase complex VapA-VipC-VapB guides epigenetic control of fungal development'. Developmental Cell, 29 (4):406-420. [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2013 Suzuki S; Sarikaya Bayram Ö; Bayram Ö; Braus GH; (2013) 'conF and conJ contribute to conidia germination and stress response in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans'. Fungal Genetics and Biology, 56 . [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2012 Bayram O; Bayram OS; Valerius O; Jöhnk B; Braus GH; (2012) 'Identification of protein complexes from filamentous fungi with tandem affinity purification'. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 944 . [DOI]
    2012 Bayram Ö; Bayram ÖS; Ahmed YL; Maruyama J; Valerius O; Rizzoli SO; Ficner R; Irniger S; Braus GH; (2012) 'The Aspergillus nidulans MAPK module AnSte11-Ste50-Ste7-Fus3 controls development and secondary metabolism'. PLoS Genetics, 8 (7). [DOI] [Full-Text]
    2010 Sarikaya Bayram O; Bayram O; Valerius O; Park HS; Irniger S; Gerke J; Ni M; Han KH; Yu JH; Braus GH; (2010) 'LaeA control of velvet family regulatory proteins for light-dependent development and fungal cell-type specificity'. PLoS Genetics, 6 (12). [DOI] [Full-Text]

    Reviews

    Year Publication
    2015 Sarikaya-Bayram, O; Palmer, JM; Keller, N; Braus, GH; Bayram, O (2015) One Juliet and four Romeos: VeA and its methyltransferases. LAUSANNE: [Reviews] [DOI]

    Book Chapter

    Year Publication
    2016 Irniger S, Sarikaya-Bayram O, Bayram O (2016) 'Fungal MAP-Kinase-Mediated Regulatory Pathways' In: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 3rd Edition The Mycota III. Switzerland : Springer. [DOI]

    Conference Contribution

    Year Publication
    2023 Özlem Sarikaya Bayram (2023) IFS Annual Meeting Dissection of the epigenetically controlled gene network in aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus to improve agricultural productivity and food safety University College Dublin, 22/06/2023-22/06/2023.
    2023 Sarikaya Bayram Ö, Bayram Ö, Karahoda B, Meister C, Köhler AM, Thieme S, Elramli N, Frawley D, McGowan J, Fitzpatrick DA, Schmitt K, de Assis LJ, Valerius O, Goldman GH, Braus GH (2023) ECFG16 F-box receptor mediated control of substrate stability and subcellular location organizes cellular development of Aspergillus nidulans Innsbruck, Austria, 05/03/2023-08/03/2023.
    2022 Bayram, Ö; Wong K, H; Sarikaya Bayram, Ö (2022) How Evolution Learnt to Learn: Epigenetics of Experienced Context Epigenetic regulation of fungal secondary metabolite gene clusters: are we seeing the tip of the iceberg? Salzburg, Austria, 06/07/2022-10/07/2022.
    2019 Elramli N, Karahoda B, Sarikaya-Bayram O, Frawley D, Ulas M, Oakley CE, Oakley B, Seiler S, Bayram, O. (2019) Assembly of a heptameric STRIPAK complex at the nuclear envelope is required for coordination of light-dependent multicellular fungal development with secondary metabolism in Aspergillus nidulans 30th Fungal Genetics Conference Asilomar, Pacific Grove California, USA, 12/03/2019-17/03/2019.
    2019 Frawley D, Karahoda B, Sarikaya-Bayram O, Bayram O (2019) HamE scaffold positively regulates MAP kinase signal transduction to promote development and secondary metabolism in Aspergillus nidulans 30th Fungal Genetics Conference Asilomar, Pacific Grove California, USA, 12/03/2019-17/03/2019.
    2018 Assis LJ, Ulas M, Ries LN, Elramli N, Sarikaya Bayram O, Braus GH, Bayram O, Goldman G (2018) Regulation of Aspergillus nidulans CreA-mediated catabolite repression by the F-box proteins Fbx23 and Fbx47 14th European Conference on Fungal Genetics Haifa, Israel, 25/02/2018-28/02/2018.
    2018 Karahoda B, Bayram O, Sarikaya Bayram O, Elramli N, Thieme S, Assis LJ, Goldman GH, Braus GH (2018) Global analysis of the molecular roles, localizations and interactomes of F-box proteins during fungal development 14th European Conference on Fungal Genetics Haifa, Israel, 25/02/2018-28/02/2018.
    2015 Bayram O, Sarikaya-Bayram O, Reen S, Goldman G and Braus G (2015) Global examination of the molecular roles, localizations and interactomes of F-box proteins in fungal development 28th Fungal Genetics Conference Asilomar, Pacific Grove California, USA, 17/03/2015-22/03/2015.
    2013 Bayram O, Sarikaya Bayram O, Luqman Ahmed Y, Maruyama JI, Valerius O, Rizzoli O, Ficner R, Irniger S, Braus G (2013) The Aspergillus nidulans MAPK module AnSte11-Ste50-Ste7-Fus3 controls development and secondary metabolism 27th Fungal Genetics Conference Asilomar, Pacific Grove California, USA, 12/03/2013-17/03/2013.
    2013 Sarikaya Bayram O, Bayram O, Kim JH, Chae KS, Han DM, Han KH, Braus GH (2013) Two methyltransferase protein complexes control fungal development and secondary metabolite production 27th Fungal Genetics Conference Asilomar, Pacific Grove California, USA, 12/03/2013-17/03/2013.
    2012 Sarikaya Bayram O, Bayram O, Ahmed Luqman Y, Maruyama JI, Valerius O, Ficner R, Irniger S, Braus G.H. (2012) Shuttling of entire MAPK module from membrane to nuclear envelope links fungal development to secondary metabolism 11th European Conference on Fungal Genetics Marburg, Germany, 30/03/2012-02/04/2012.
    2011 Sarikaya Bayram O, Bayram O, Valerius O, Park H.S, Irniger S, Gerke J, Ni M, Han K.H, Yu J.H and Braus G.H. (2011) LaeA control of velvet family regulatory proteins for light-dependent development and fungal cell-type specificity 26th Fungal Genetics Conference Asilomar, Pacific Grove California, USA, 15/03/2011-20/03/2011.
    2010 Sarikaya Bayram O, Bayram O, Valerius O, Gerke J, Irniger S, Han K.H, and Braus G.H (2010) Dynamic and functional interactions between the components of the trimeric velvet complex in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans 10th European Conference on Fungal Genetics NH Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst, The Netherlands, 29/03/2010-01/04/2010.
    2009 Christmann M, Harting R, Kress M, Bayram O, Sarikaya Bayram O, Jöhnk B, Helmstaedt K, Braus G.H (2009) Fungal development requires the deneddylating proteins Den1 (DenA) and CSN 9 th VAAM Symposium, Molecular Biology of Fungi Munster, Germany, 27/09/2009-30/09/2009.
    Certain data included herein are derived from the © Web of Science (2025) of Clarivate. All rights reserved.

    Professional Associations

    Description Function From / To
    American Society for Microbiology Member 03/06/2022 -
    German Genetics Society Member 01/10/2014 -
    Irish Fungal Society Member 16/06/2014 -
    The Nutrition Society Academic Representative 01/01/2025 -

    Honors and Awards

    Date Title Awarding Body
    11/02/2023 IFS Ken Haynes Travel Award Irish Fungal Society
    01/12/2021 SFI Pathways Recipient Science Foundation Ireland
    01/10/2014 Elisabeth Gateff Prize-Best Ph.D. in Genetics German Genetics Society
    12/03/2013 GGNB Conference Travel Award 2013 Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Biosciences
    30/04/2012 GGNB Travel Award 2012 Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Biosciences
    01/01/2011 GGNB Excellence PhD Stipend Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Biosciences and German Research Fund (DFG)
    15/03/2011 GGNB Conference Travel Award 2011 Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Biosciences
    29/04/2010 GGNB Travel Award 2010 Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and Biosciences

    Committees

    Committee Function From / To
    Faculty of Science and Engineering EDI Committee Academic Representative of Food Science and Nutrition 03/04/2023 -
    Healthy Campus Committee Academic Representative of Food Science and Nutrition 13/05/2024 -
    Sports Strategy Project Working Group Academic Representative of Food Science and Nutrition 11/11/2024 -
    Campus Life Committee Academic Representative of Food Science and Nutrition 07/10/2024 -

    Employment

    Employer Position From / To
    Maynooth University SFI Pathways Principal Investigator 01/03/2022 -
    Mylan QC Bioassay Scientist 11/02/2020 - 31/07/2021
    Maynooth University Postdoctoral researcher 01/10/2017 - 31/03/2018
    Maynooth University IRC Postdoctoral Fellow 01/10/2014 - 07/07/2017

    Languages

    Language Reading Writing Speaking
    English Fluent Fluent Fluent
    Turkish Fluent Fluent Fluent
    German Fluent Fluent Fluent

    Editorial / Academic Reviews

    Amount Role From / To
    PLoS Pathogens Reviewer 18/01/2023 -
    Communications Biology Reviewer 01/01/2023 -
    Frontiers in Fungal Biology Associate Editor 06/09/2022 -
    Fungal Genetics and Biology Referee 03/01/2018 -
    Applied and Industrial Microbiology (AMB) Express Reviewer 31/10/2023 -
    Pathogens MDPI Reviewer 26/10/2023 -
    Mycological Progress Reviewer 09/02/2024 -
    Frontiers Fungal Biology Editor 02/12/2024 -

    Outreach Activities

    Organisation Type Description
    Asperfest21 Local Organiser and Co-chair Policy Makers The 21st International Aspergillus Meeting (Asperfest21) in Dublin, March 1-2, 2025.
    17th European Fungal Conference Organizer Policy Makers One of the largest fungal genetics conferences, bringing together over 1,000 scientists from around the globe, will take place in Dublin from March 2-5, 2025. [Link]
    Science Week-Science Night Civic Society Science Day and Night: Bringing Science to Life for the Next Generation Dr. Özlem Sarikaya Bayram recently led an exciting Science Day outreach session at a local school in Maynooth, sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds. Through engaging, hands-on activities, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram introduced kids to the wonders of science in a fun and interactive way. A standout moment was the DNA isolation experiment using strawberries, where children had the chance to extract and observe the stringy white DNA strands, offering them a firsthand look at the building blocks of life. The session also featured a captivating lava lamp experiment, demonstrating the natural separation of oil and water—mirroring how different nutrients are absorbed in the body. With the help of an anatomical torso model, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram guided the kids through the journey of food in the digestive system, explaining the importance of nutrient absorption and digestive health. To reinforce the significance of physical activity, kids participated in an interactive pulse check before and after a lively dance session to the tune of "Baby Shark," linking exercise with heart health. Through these dynamic activities, Dr. Sarikaya Bayram emphasized the importance of whole, nutrient-rich foods and regular physical activity—key habits that positively impact children's health and wellbeing. Following the Science Day, the Science Night extended the excitement with engaging activities, including a sugar detection experiment using colorimetric assays to help kids understand the sugar content in various foods. These hands-on experiments highlighted the difference between healthier, whole foods and sugary snacks. This Science Day and Night event is part of Maynooth University's ongoing commitment to making science accessible and enjoyable for young learners. By empowering children with knowledge, we are fostering healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come. [Link]

    Teaching Interests

    • MH222- FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN NUTRITION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
    • MODULE COORDINATOR
    • SN154-FOOD, DIET AND HEALTH 
    • JOINT MODULE COORDINATOR
    • SN155-FOOD, EXERCISE AND PHYSIOLOGY 

    Internal Collaborators

    Name Company Role Country
    Kevin Kavanagh Mentor-Collaborator Ireland
    Rebecca Owens LC-MS/MS analysis of metabolites Ireland
    David Fitzpatrick Bioinformatics for RNAseq Ireland
    Robert Elmes Mycotoxin chemical structure design Ireland

    External Collaborators

    Name Role Country
    Gustavo Goldmann Analysis of stress tolerance Brazil
    Koon Ho Wong Analysis of ChIPseq Hong Kong