Dr. Eli Arama Department of Molecular Genetics Tel. Office 972 8 - 934 6181 Tel. Lab 972 8 - 934 6293/6187/6189 Fax. 972 8 - 934 4108 E-mail eli.arama@weizmann.ac.il Concise C.V.

 A fundamental characteristic of multicellular organisms is the ability to activate a gene-encoded cell suicide program called programmed cell death (PCD). The pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders is attributed to the malfunctioning of PCD.

The overall goal of our research is to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which cells undergo PCD, and how these mechanisms are harnessed by some cells for vital processes. We are using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates genetics and molecular biology with cell culture experiments and biochemical and structural studies. Most of our work utilizes a highly amenable model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila, which offers unique advantages for the discovery of novel cell death genes and pathways using powerful genetic techniques.