Head Prof. Eldad Tzahor

Prof. Eldad Tzahor

Head

Prof. Eldad Tzahor

Office +972-8-934-3715

Email eldad.tzahor@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

The molecular mechanisms underlying cell structures, dynamics and fate, and their involvement in embryonic development and cancer are among the primary topics of interest of the Department. These include studies on the mode of action of growth factors and the nature of signals triggered by them in target cells following binding to specific surface receptors. Growth regulation is also approached through the study of suppressor genes encoding such proteins as p53, which inhibit proliferation and drive cells towards differentiation or apoptosis. These studies, focusing on the mechanisms stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation, or death, can elucidate the basis for cancerous transformation in a large variety of systems. Overproduction or hyperactivation of growth-promoting systems was shown to have an oncogenic (cancer-causing) effect, and a similar process may be induced when growth-suppressor or apoptosis-inducing genes fail to function. The levels at which cell structure, activity and fate are studied in this department and the focus of these studies are many and diverse, including the characterization of soluble growth factors and their receptors, the nature of complex signal transduction pathways, the action of specific regulators of cytokine action, rearrangement of genes associated with oncogenic processes, and the properties of tumor suppressor and apoptosis promoting genes. Since such processes involve networks of interacting factors, we are also interested in mathematical modeling and computerized analysis of biological gene circuits.

In addition, there is broad interest in the molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion and their involvement in the regulation of cell fate. These studies include characterization of the basic rules underlying adhesive interactions, the binding of surface-associated adhesion molecules with the cytoskeleton, and the nature of growth- and differentiation-promoting signals triggered by adhesive interactions. Of special interest are proteins such as β-catenin, which play a crucial role in reinforcing cell-cell adhesions as well as triggering gene expression.

Head Prof. Omri Sarig

Prof. Omri Sarig

Head

Prof. Omri Sarig

Office +972-8-934-4305

Email omri.sarig@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

The principal research interests of the department lie in the broadly understood areas of analysis, probability, algebra, and geometry.

Topics covered in Analysis include operator and matrix theory, spectral theory, linear and nonlinear ordinary and partial differential equations, functional and harmonic analysis, ergodic theory and dynamical systems, control theory in its various manifestations, optimization, game theory, approximation and complexity of functions, numerical analysis, singularity theory and robotics.

Research in Probability theory covers random walks and graphs, motion in random media, percolation, random matrices, Gaussian fields and other probabilistic models in mathematical physics.

Areas of Geometric research include the structure of finite and infinite dimensional spaces, analytic, real algebraic and semi-algebraic geometry, typology of foliations and complex vector fields.

The Algebraic direction includes some aspects of algebraic geometry, geometric group theory, Lie Theory, representation theory, quantum groups, number theory, automorphic forms, ring theory, statistics of Young diagrams, algebraic combinatorics and enveloping algebras, invariants and crystals.

For the research done at our sister department, the Department of Scomputer Science and Applied Mathematics, see here.

Head Prof. Eli Zeldov

Prof. Eli Zeldov

Head

Prof. Eli Zeldov

Office +972-8-934-2892

Email eli.zeldov@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

The scientific activity of the department is mainly concentrated around the experimental and theoretical research in quantum solid state physics. It includes experimental research of mesoscopic physics, quantum Hall physics, topological states of matter, high temperature superconductors, two and one dimensional superconductors, metal-insulator transition, carbon nanotubes, semiconductor nanowires, and study of material growth. The theoretical efforts concentrate on similar subjects with added work on disordered materials, cold atoms, and quantum optics.
The Braun Center for sub micron research is an integral part of the department. It is a modern and well equipped center, with growth (three MBE's) and characterization systems, which allows to conduct experiments on sub micron semiconductor structures under high magnetic fields, conventional and high temperature superconductors, and nanowires made of carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires.

Head Prof. Rony Seger

Prof. Rony Seger

Head

Prof. Rony Seger

Office +972-8-934-3922

Email rony.seger@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

The Department of Biological Regulation is comprised of approximately 170 people organized in 13 research groups. We are located in the Candiotty and Britannia buildings, which are equipped with all the facilities required for running an excellent research. Our research is concentrated on the regulation of processes responsible for the concerted action of cells, tissues, and organs. A diversity of methodologies and experimental approaches are used in order to tackle these issues. These include biochemical, molecular, physiological methods, organ and tissue cultures, and whole animal studies in mice, flies, and zebra fish. In addition, some of us are using systems biology, host-pathogen studies and a variety of imaging methods including biological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well. Since de-regulation of such processes is a cause for many human diseases (cancer, heart failure, stroke, and abnormal growth, infertility, lack of regeneration after injury, etc.), we make an effort to use our results for the development of tools for early diagnosis and for the design of new drugs for pharmacological intervention.

The main projects that are currently performed in the department are:

Host-pathogen interactions – Dr. Roi Avraham

The control of reproduction – Prof. Emeritus Nava Dekel

Cell metabolism in health and disease – Dr. Ayelet Erez

Apoptosis Metabolism – Prof. Atan Gross

Protein degradation by the ubiquitin/proteasome system – Prof. Ami Navon

Vascularization during pregnancy and cancer development – Prof. Michal Neeman

ECM remodeling: from biophysical principles to drug design – Prof. Irit Sagi

Intracellular signaling cascades in health and disease – Prof. Rony Seger

Genome and epigenome regulation – Prof. Amos Tanay

lincRNA function – Dr. Igor Ulitsky

The development of the vascular system – Dr. Karina Yaniv

Growth factors and their receptors in cancer – Prof. Yossi Yarden

Head Prof. Alon Chen

Prof. Alon Chen

Head

Prof. Alon Chen

Office +972-8-934-4490

Email alon.chen@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

Research in Neuroscience in the Department of Neurobiology encompasses a wide variety of subjects, in areas including cellular and molecular biology, neuroanatomy, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), physiology, pharmacology, psychophysics, and computational sciences.

Basically, the research of the various groups of the Department covers, among others, the following topics:

• Analysis of the molecular and cellular basis of neuronal and synaptic function.
• Imaging of neuronal activity underlying higher brain functions.
• Tracing and characterization of neuronal communication profiles.
• Characterization of the CNS response to trauma and lesion; developing molecular and cellular therapeutic agents.
• Determination of the underlying processes and mechanisms of vision, perception, learning, and memory in behaving rodents and primates.
• Computer modeling of brain function.

At the Neurobiology Department, the structure, function, development, and plasticity of the nervous system are studied at various levels of analysis, using different types of cell and experimental animal models. The groups studying neuronal function at the molecular and cellular levels use in vitro systems ranging from non-neuronal and neuronal cell lines to primary neuronal and glial cells of cerebellar, hippocampal and cortical origin. In many cases, the cells studied are transfected with genes of interest. These cell systems allow the study of the roles of various components of the nervous system, including cell surface membrane components, specific enzymes, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, growth factors, neuroreceptors, lipid components, ionic channels and cytoskeletal constituents. Algorithms for the synaptic plasticity between neurons, and the role of dendritic ion channels in synaptic input and information processing, are also being studied. Injury models of nerve lesion and oxidative stress paradigms are applied to examine the principles of CNS regeneration, rescue from ischemia and stroke, and apoptotic cell death and senescence.

The groups studying the CNS at the system level are striving to understand the complex neuronal mechanisms underlying learning, memory, and sensory processing (vision, taste, smell), and to determine the relationship between brain and mind. Using track tracing methods, the rules governing the interconnections in the visual cortex are being unraveled. Behavioral studies focus on principles of learning and consolidation, cortical information processing, learning disabilities, and addiction. Functional brain imaging of the human visual cortex is being studied by various techniques, including fMRI. Psychophysical approaches are being used to define processes involved in image segmentation, learning and memory skill acquisition, motor control, and language. Nearly 20 groups of researchers carry out both independent studies and collaborative research with colleagues from within the Department and outside it.

Head Prof. Rony Seger

Prof. Rony Seger

Head

Prof. Rony Seger

Office +972-8-934-3922

Email rony.seger@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

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 (iv) mechanisms of angiogenesis and oncogenesis and (v) role of proteases and protein degradation in cellular regulation. 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.

Head Prof. Eitan Reuveny

Prof. Eitan Reuveny

Head

Prof. Eitan Reuveny

Office +972-8-934-3243

Email e.reuveny@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

The scientific activities in the department of biological chemistry span several areas in the Life Sciences. The common thread is the study of the biochemistry of life and disease. Emphasis is given to the examination of proteins, whether soluble or membrane-bound, and their key biological functions and we seek a molecular understanding of their evolution, cellular interactions, structures and functions. A variety of biochemical, biophysical, structural, molecular-biological, and state of the art imaging methodologies are employed in our department. Overlapping interests and inter-group cooperations signify the spirit of our research. The department has more than 20 research groups whose activities are centered around the following foci of interest:

1. Protein science and macromolecular machines. Several groups investigate the basic principles governing protein-protein interactions; composition, assembly, and architecture of multi-enzyme and other large complexes; catalytic mechanisms and the evolution of proteins and enzymes. A major aim is to understand how the findings relate to intricate biological processes.
    
2. DNA and regulation of gene expression. Various aspects of nucleic acids research are addressed in our department including: DNA repair and mutagenesis in mammals; basal and activated transcription; specific gene expression in the pancreas; phylogenetic analysis of accumulated somatic mutations.
    
3. Structure, function, and biogenesis of membrane proteins. We investigate important integral membrane proteins on the biochemical, biophysical, structural, and physiological levels. This includes Na+ and K+ channels, Na+/K+ ATPase and its FXYD protein regulators, multidrug transporters, intra-membrane proteases, and peptides that integrate into membranes in various systems.
    
4. Membranes, lipids, and organelle structure, function, and biogenesis. Studies in our department include the biosynthetic pathway of membrane proteins; intracellular protein traffic, especially during the process of autophagy; lysosome biogenesis and lipid homeostasis; Calcium homeostasis; and, assembly and function of membrane proteins involved in the immune response, infectious diseases, and viral envelopes.
    
5. Signaling within and between cells. Several researchers in the department are interested in problems related to signal transduction. Cell guidance and navigation; axon guidance; cell death and tissue damage; long distance intracellular signaling; regulation of expression of virulence factors; regulation of the circadian rhythm; epigenetic gene silencing; epigenetics and developmental regulation.
    
6. Molecular basis of disease. Many research programs in our department involve human disorders, diseases, and syndromes. This includes inflammation, infections and antibiotic resistance, organophosphate detoxification, obesity and diabetes, cancer, and lysosomal storage diseases. Many of these disorders are investigated at the molecular level.

A variety of methodologies are being utilized, with an emphasis on biochemistry, biophysics, molecular genetics, advanced light microscopy, computation methods, and structural tools (such as crystallography, atomic force microscope, mass spectrometry). Additional information can be obtained in the department's Home Page.

Head Prof. Anat Yarden

Prof. Anat Yarden

Head

Prof. Anat Yarden

Office +972-8-934-4044

Email anat.yarden@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

The Department is composed of groups working in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, earth and environmental sciences, life sciences, and science and technology for junior-high school. In all these areas there are extensive research and development projects, aimed at (1) studying science and mathematics learning and teaching and their development, (2) producing and implementing improved and up-to-date learning and teaching materials that integrate the use of modern technologies, and (3) providing professional development for teachers, all over Israel. Work is based on an underlying philosophy that considers curriculum development and implementation, teacher professional development, research and evaluation as an interrelated and continuous long-term activity. Research studies focus on cognitive, socio-cultural and affective aspects of learning, teaching and learning to teach science and mathematics, using various research methodologies: quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods.
The department operates two national centers for science teachers (physics, and science and technology in junior high school) specializing in; the development of leadership among science teachers and in continuous professional development for science teachers using effective models. In recent years the department is involved in EU projects aiming at enhancing science education both in the formal as well as in the informal level.

Head Prof. Yuval Eshed

Prof. Yuval Eshed

Head

Prof. Yuval Eshed

Office +972-8-934-3693

Email yuval.eshed@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

Plants offer the world its only renewable resource of foods, alternative energy and biotherapeutic compounds. Plants have highly sophisticated short and long-term adaptive mechanisms to the environment as a result of the simple fact that they cannot alter their location during environmental change. Basic understanding of how plants react to the environment and why they grow the way they do are central to devising a rational approach to address three important global challenges, namely to secure more and healthier food, to develop novel plant-based products associated with biotherapeutics and to produce alternative energy resources in the form of biofuels. Research activities in the Department of Plant Sciences are associated with all of the above-mentioned global challenges and range from studies on the function and regulation of isolated genes to their interactive behavior in the context of the whole plant. We have developed extensive in-house genomic, bioinformatics and transgenic infrastructure that enables us to isolate novel genes by gene trapping, knockout or map-based cloning. Cloned genes are manipulated and studied by transgenic analysis to establish their potential in the whole plant. Our research as listed below integrates methodologies of molecular biology, protein modeling, genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, system biology, genetics, biochemistry and physiology.
Harnessing light energy and energy transduction in the plant cell: Research is carried out on the basic biophysical phenomenon of photon absorption by chlorophyll through transduction of this energy to ATP and the regulation of energy flux by the plant redox state.
Adaptive response in the plant to the biotic and abiotic environment: Molecular mechanisms that drive the cellular response are investigated under environmental perturbation. Research is directed in understanding the elements that play a role in the recognition of pathogens and the subsequent mounting of plant defense responses as well as in the response of plants to abiotic stresses, such as salt stress.
Plant metabolism and growth: Research is centered around elucidating regulatory metabolic networks for production of essential primary and secondary metabolites as well as understanding gene expression and hormonal networks that control plant metabolism, growth, reproduction and productivity.
Plant genome organization: Molecular tools have been developed to examine the fluidity of the plant genome, as described by transposon element, and the evolution of polyploid plants.

Head Prof. Dan Oron

Prof. Dan Oron

Head

Prof. Dan Oron

Office +972-8-934-6282

Email dan.oron@weizmann.ac.il

Overview

The Department of Physics of Complex Systems has research programs in fundamental and applied physics. Research in optics and atomic physics includes nonlinear optics, ultra fast optics and high harmonic generation, quantum optics, slow light, descrete optics, nano optics and nonlinear microscopy, laser cooling and trapping of atoms and ions, studied of Bose Einstein condensation, precision spectroscopy and quantum information processing. Theoretical and experimental research in condensed matter is concentrated on equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics, clustering of data, bioinformatics and systems biology, electrokinetics of ions and charged particles in low dielectric liquids, colloids, soft materials and complex fluids. Experimental and theoretical hydrodynamics concentrates on turbulence, spatio-temporal chaos, turbulent Rayleigh-Benard convection, liquids at interfaces, droplet impact, sedimentation and dynamics of single micro-objects, such as polymers, vesicles, capsules and hydrodynamics of their solutions. Turbulence theory is developed in general and in applications to cloud physics. Classical and quantum chaos, statistics of nodal lines in quantum systems and turbulence are studied theoretically. Mathematical and computational methods for archaeological research are developed. Theoretical physical biology deals with modeling living information systems, their molecular components and the way they evolve. Experimental bio-physics deals with bio-molecules, neural cultures, neurophysics, physics of the brain, physics of bio-systems and decision making in ant colonies.