Faculty
Asher, Gad
Our main research interest is to explore the interplay between the cellular metabolic state and circadian clocks and further identify the underling molecular mechanisms.
Bayer, Ed
Our studies focus on all aspects of the multi-enzyme cellulosome complex, which is considered the elite enzymatic system for conversion of cellulose and associated plant polysaccharides to simple sugars en route to biofuels, such as ethanol. For this purpose, we employ an array of multi-disciplinary strategies, including bioinformatics, genomics, biochemical and biophysical approaches, structure studies, and the fabrication of artificial “designer cellulosomes”.
Bibi, Eitan
We are interested in questions related to membrane protein biogenesis, structure, and function. This includes elucidation of the role of the SRP, studies on the mechanism of multidrug transport and intra-membrane proteolysis and 3D crystallization of membrane proteins.
Dikstein, Rivka
We are studying regulation of transcription and translation in health and disease. Specifically we investigate the mechanism underlying rapid transcriptional induction of NF-kappaB target genes, we analyze newly identified links between transcription, mRNA processing and translation and we study transcriptional control of microRNA genes and of embryonic stem cells.
Eisenbach, Michael
We investigate mechanisms by which ligand-binding evokes altered cell motion. We are examining chemotaxis in bacteria as well as chemotaxis and thermotaxis of human sperm cells.
Elazar, Zvulun
We study the molecular mechanism and regulation of autophagy, a process responsible for the degradation of cytoplasmic proteins and organelles. A particular emphasis is given to the relationship of this catabolic pathway to disease such as cancer and neurodegeneration.
Fainzilber, Michael
We are investigating long distance signaling mechanisms in neurons and other large eukaryotic cells, primarily an importins/molecular motor-based mechanism that integrates cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling. Currently our main focus is on the roles of this and related mechanisms in neuronal responses to injury and in cellular length sensing.
Fleishman, Sarel-Jacob
We are interested in how protein function is encoded in the structures of protein binders, enzymes, and antibodies. To test our understanding we computationally design new protein functions not seen in Nature and experimentally characterize these designs. Iterations of design and experimental characterization enable us to understand new features of how protein function is specified in Nature.
Futerman, Anthony H.
Our laboratory works on sphingolipids, important membrane components. We focus on two main areas: (i) sphingolipid synthesis and signaling, particularly of ceramide, and (ii) sphingolipid storage diseases, with an emphasis on mechanistic understanding of disease pathology and also on novel therapeutic approaches.
Garty, Haim
Our interests evolve around mechanisms of ion transport across biological membranes and in particular ion transport in epithelial tissues. A major project is the study of FXYD proteins. These are single span transmembrane proteins, which regulate the Na+/K+-ATPase, as well as cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions. Another project studies action mechanisms of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, the principal corticosteroid that regulates Na+ absorption and K+ secretion in vertebrates.
Karlish, Steven J.d
Our groups studies the structure, function, regulation and pharmacology of the cell membrane Na,K-ATPase. This has involved development of an expression system for Na,K-ATPase in the yeast, P.pastoris and purification of the detergent-soluble protein in large quantities, for detailed structural and biochemical studies.
Livneh, Zvi
We are studying molecular mechanisms of DNA repair, and in particular error-prone repair (translesion DNA synthesis) in mammalian cells. In addition, we employ the knowledge on DNA repair to develop novel functional enzymatic DNA repair biomarkers for risk assessment and prevention of cancer.
Pick, Uri
We study the regulation of triglyceride (TG) biosynthesis in green microalgae. A strategy to induce TG accumulation with minor growth retardation was developed, rate-limiting steps in TG biosynthesis were identified and proteins that stabilize TG oil bodies were cloned and characterized. These tools may improve economical biodiesel production from microalgae.
Reich, Ziv
We are interested in transport processes and in photosynthesis. Within the realm of photosynthesis we are mainly concerned with dynamic processes that accompany the life cycle of the thylakoid network, including its response to different stresses and its formation and dismantling. Regarding nucleo-cytoplasmic transport, we are particularly interested in its selectivity, the behavior of the ensemble of transporting molecules as it relates to the transport of a single molecule and in applications to gene therapy. In both fields of study, we combine different approaches and methodologies including ensemble and single-molecule biophysical methods, biochemical and molecular biology techniques, statistical mechanical modeling and state-of-the-art electron microscopy.
Reuveny, Eitan
We are interested in deciphering the mechanisms by which extracellular and intracellular signaling queues affect ion channel function, both in excitable and non-excitable tissues. We focus on three main areas: 1) GPCRs-mediated ion channel regulation and modulation, 2) cellular mechanisms that control calcium homeostasis, 3) how physiological functions are affected by ions channels activity.
Schreiber, Gideon
We study the basic physico-chemical principles governing the kinetics, thermodynamics and specificity of protein-protein interactions. The gained knowledge is translated into the development and implementation of protein engineering methodologies. Between other, these are used to study how the interaction of interferon with its receptors results in complex differential responses in cells.
Shai, Yechiel
We study the interaction between peptides and proteins with and within the membrane milieu: These include: (1) selective cell destruction by innate immunity host defense antimicrobial peptides and lipopeptides future antibiotics; (2) the mechanism of HIV-cell fusion and how it evades the immune response; and (3) the role of transmembrane domains of cellular receptors (Toll-like receptors, TCR, ErB) in their proper signaling.
Shapiro, Ehud
We are developing cell trees, based on phylogenetic analysis of somatic mutations accumulated during normal development an organism, using normal and cancerous cells from mice and humans.
Sharon, Michal
Our group is interested in understanding the relationship between structure and function of large protein complexes. We mainly focus on the investigation of molecular machines involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. We study the structural arrangements and the mechanisms that control and regulate these cellular machines by applying an emerging structural mass spectrometry approach.
Soen, Yoav
We study epigenetic mechanisms by which developmental plasticity allows the environment to bring about heritable modifications in the developmental program. We approach this with a combination of in vitro (mammalian cells) and in vivo models (the fly, D. melanogaster), in which we confront developmental processes with unforeseen environmental challenges that promote deviations from the selected patterns of development.
Tawfik, Dan
We study the structure and function of proteins, and of enzymes in particular, and how they evolve. To this end, we reproduce the evolutionary process of mutation and selection to generate proteins with new functions and structures.
Walker, Michael
The focus of our research is the beta cell of the pancreas.
We are interested in elucidating the mechanisms that control its unique ability to produce and secrete insulin in response to physiological stimuli, and in identifying the defects in this process that can lead to diabetes.
Wallach, David
Studies in our laboratory aim towards elucidating the signaling mechanisms that mediate two cardinal activities of cytokines of the TNF family: induction of programmed cell death, and activation of transcription factors such as NF-kappa B that participate in the induction of immune defense mechanisms.
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Yaron, Avraham
We are investigating the mechanisms that govern the wiring of the nervous system during development, which includes axonal guidance, pruning and the role of local protein synthesis.
