Faculty of Biology

The research in the department of Biological Regulation is concentrated on molecular, cellular and physiological studies of processes that collectively control the action of cells, tissues, organs and the entire body. Extensive efforts are directed to the elucidation of the regulators and pathways of the transmission and translation of signals evoked by hormones, as well as growth and death signaling factors. These studies include: (i) characterization of interactions between growth factors, hormones and extra cellular matrix components with specific receptors; (ii) induction and mechanisms of action of programmed cell death, necrosis and cell survival; (iii) mediation of intracellular signaling via second messengers protein kinase cascades or through lipid mediators and (iv) mechanisms of angiogenesis and oncogenesis. The results of these investigations advance our basic understanding of phenomena related to reproduction as well as tumor and vascular biology. In addition, it enables us to develop useful applications that intend to improve patient management.

A diversity of experimental methodologies is used in these projects. In particular unique non invasive methodologies of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Spectroscopy (MRS) are being developed in this department. The research groups include students from life sciences and chemistry, residents, physicians, and guest researchers from Israel and abroad. Several projects have already incorporated clinical assessment of experimental drugs and new diagnostic methods.

Hormonal regulation of angiogenesis and perfusion of breast cancer; Molecular and MRI studies including clinical testing of a new method for breast cancer diagnosis.

Glucose and choline metabolism in breast cancer; The regulation and role of the corresponding transporters and transport kinetics measured by MRS.

Renal function through sodium grandients; Non-invasive, high resolution sodium MRI.

Regulation of cell cycle: The use of rat oocytes as a model system.

Cell-to-cell communication: Regulation of expression, degradation and function of the gap junction protein, Cx43.

Endothelin1-mediated regulation of vascularization: role in implantation.

Mitochondria in apoptosis: mitochondria-dependent and independent functions of the BCL-2 family member BID.

The connection between reactive oxygen species and apoptosis: Use of yeast as a model system to explore the function of the BCL-2 family member BAX.

Ovarian follicle atresia as a model of apoptosis: The role of the core apoptotic machinery in this process.

Novel derivatives of the phytoestrogen genistein as an estrogen mimetic in the cardiovascular system.

Peptides isolated from phage displayed peptide libraries as estrogen mimetics (in collaboration with Prof. Ephraim Katzir from the Department of Biological Regulation).

Anti-idiotypic antibodies as probes of molecular mimicry.

Identification and cloning of novel eukaryotic phospholipase D genes from yeast and mammalian cells.

Localization, regulation and function of phospholipase D in lipid rafts and caveolae.

Role of caveolin and caveolae in multidrug resistance of cancer cells.

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In vivo MRI analysis of angiogenesis, vascular regression, vascular maturation and lymphatic drain.

Hormonal regulation of angiogenesis and adhesion in ovarian carcinoma.

Positive and negative regulators of pre-ovulatory angiogenesis in the normal rat ovary.

Anti-cancer treatments :

1. Development of novel bacteriochlorophyll-based drugs for photochemotherapy.

2. Boron neutron capture therapy.

Reactive oxygen species, their generation by bacteriochlorophyll and light, their role in signal transduction and mechanisms of cell and tumor destruction.

Vascular biology and vascular destruction.

The nuclear translocation of ERK and MEK - characterization and molecular mechanisms.

Identification, characterization and cloning of two novel MAP kinase isoforms.

Signal transduction via G protein-coupled receptors.

Modulation of vitronectin structure and function by phosphorylation and proteolysis.

Exo- and ecto- protein kinases and proteinases, in the regulation of biological processes.

Structure and function of protein kinase A and of the Kinase Splitting Membranal Proteinase (KSMP).

The development and demise of ovarian follicles in vivo and in vitro : the role of apoptosis.

Ovulation as a tissue remodeling process: Endocrine and molecular regulation.

Molecular regulation of oocyte maturation in mammals.

The role of ErbB-2/HER2 in human cancer.

Signal transduction networks in development and disease.

Endocytosis and intracellular sorting of growth factor receptors.