Laboratories in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences

The Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Tel Aviv University is home to a variety of laboratories dedicated to pioneering research in areas like cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and genomics. These labs strive to enhance scientific knowledge and create novel solutions to critical health issues by employing multidisciplinary methods and cutting-edge technologies.

Researcher	Department	Research Topic	General information
Prof. Ruth Ashery-Padan	Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences / Sagol School of Neuroscience	Development and disease of the visual system	We study the gene networks that transform the embryonic cells into a complex, differentiated organ. We focus on exploring this question by studying the process of eye development as a model for organogenesis. Link
Prof. Gil Ast	Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Alternative splicing & epigenetics in human disease	We focus on the link between alternative splicing, epigenetic changes, and Hi-C in autism. The team integrates computational biology and experimental bench work to perform multidisciplinary research in RNA processing. Link
Prof. Karen Avraham	Laboratory of Neural and Sensory Genomics, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences / Sagol School of Neuroscience	Precision medicine & gene therapy for human disease	Genomics of deafness, epilepsy and developmental delay, with research on gene discovery, expression, regulation and therapy. Link
Prof. Uri Ben-David	Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Cancer aneuploidy	Aneuploidy is a hallmark of human cancer, affecting over 90% of solid tumors. We employ experimental and computational approaches – combining genomics, genome engineering, drug screening and mouse modeling, as well as cutting-edge cell and molecular biology – to better understand this intriguing and important phenomenon. Link
Prof. Elhanan Borenstein	Department of Clinical Microbiology & Immunology / School of Computer Science	Computational microbiome research	We focus on the computational study of the human microbiome, developing novel computational methods inspired by data science machine learning, metabolic modeling, and network theory to model the microbiome, to analyze multi-omic microbiome data, and to better understand the role of the microbiome in health and in disease Link
Prof. Limor Broday	Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Post-translational modifications in development and cancer	We use the nematode C. elegans to understand how post-translational modifications by SUMO, the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier, are regulated. We use patient-derived cancer cell cultures to study impaired phosphorylation processes initiated by oncogenic gene fusions with constitutive tyrosine-kinase activity, focusing on EML4-ALK, a known somatic driver in lung adenocarcinoma. Link
Prof. Yaron Carmi	Department of Clinical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Cancer immunotherapy	We are using advanced microscopy and genetic engineering to monitor, in real time, how our immune cells communicate with each other. Link
Dr. Merav Cohen	Laboratory of ImmunoGenomics, Department of Clinical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Immunotherapy targets using single-cell analysis	Molecular dissection of the immune-controlled intercellular crosstalk along tissue development and cancer Link
Prof. Ran Elkon	Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Computational tools for prevention of disease	Understanding mechanisms of gene regulation. Elucidating how interruptions in cellular regulatory mechanisms contribute to the development of human pathological conditions, primarily cancer, using bioinformatic methods. Programming experience required Link
Prof. Neta Erez	Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Tumor microenvironment in metastasis	The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. The main goal of the studies is to identify key molecular pathways in the communication between tumor cells and their microenvironment that can be targeted by novel therapeutics, to prevent tumor metastasis. Link
Prof. Natalia Freund	Department of Clinical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Neutralizing antibodies	The molecular basis of human antibody responses to diseases. To exploit knowledge of the human antibody responses for the development of new diagnostic tools, immune-treatments and for the discovery of new vaccine targets. Link
Prof. Yankel Gabet	Department of Anatomy & Anthropology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Bone health & cannabinoids	We developed models for the assessment of osteoporosis, inflammation-induced bone destruction and bone microarchitecture in response to modulations in the gut microbiota. The research spans from molecular biology to in vivo settings and tools in 3D models using micro-CT. Link
Prof. Motti Gerlic	Department of Clinical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Cell death and disease	We focus on the mechanisms of the inflammatory cell death pathways, necroptosis and pyroptosis, the immunological consequences of inflammatory cell death pathways during allergic and inflammatory disease in the skin, lung, liver and intestinal, the role of inflammatory cell death pathways during infectious diseases, and developing cancer immunotherapy based on non-apoptotic cell death. Link
Dr. Miri Danan-Gotthold		Alternative splicing in human brain development	We combine computational analyses, single-cell approaches, and brain organoids to systematically investigate the role of alternative splicing in human brain development and related disorders. Link
Prof. Yoni Haitin	Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Ion channels in disease	Structural perspective of ion channel modulation. We focus on studying ion channels and prenyltransferases, two types of radically different enzyme families. By utilizing cutting-edge biochemical and biophysical approaches, we delineate the structural mechanisms underlying functional regulation of these key protein families. Link
Prof. Fuad Iraqi	Department of Human Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Genetic basis of host response to diseases	We study, map and identify the host genetic components that control and define the individual response to variety of infectious and chronic diseases, including bacterial, fungal, viral, parasite, obesity, type 2 diabetes, periodontitis, lung cancer, and intestinal cancer. Link
Dr. Tomer Itkin	Cardiovascular Research Institute / Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine / Pathology, Sheba Medical Center	Cardiovascular regeneration	We employ state-of-the-art microscopy imaging, flow cytometry sorting, and next-generation sequencing computational analysis methods for cardiovascular and blood systems in organ regeneration, followed and supported by translational studies using vascularized human organoids. Link
Prof. Oren Kobiler	Department of Human Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Organoid models	The mechanisms that generate and maintain genetically diverse viral populations. We are establishing a model system for coronavirus infection of patient-derived airway organoids. Link
Prof. Limor Landsman	Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Pancreatic microenvironment	We study the maintenance of proper pancreatic insulin production in healthy individuals and the mechanisms underlying its dysfunction in diabetes. The primary objective of our work is to elucidate the fundamental causes of diabetes to enable the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. Link
Dr. Tal Laviv	Physiology and Pharmacology	Protein signaling dynamics in the brain	We develop biosensors, sensitive biological devices and specialized microscopy to visualize them in the brain. Our main goal is to explore the protein landscape in the living brain, during processing of information from the environment, for cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Link
Prof. Carmit Levy	Department of Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Cancer development and UV exposure	The role of microRNAs in development, differentiation and malignant transformation of melanocyte (melanoma). Our team aims to elucidate the dynamic control used to schedule and synchronize the UV protection subsystems. We aim to find biomarkers for melanoma treatment response and to further dissect their mechanism of action to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Prof. Chen Luxenburg	Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Cytoskeletal regulation of epidermal stem cells	We study how cytoskeleton-derived signals regulate stem cell function, using the skin epidermis as the primary model system, for skin development and common skin diseases such as cancer and psoriasis. Link
Prof. Asaf Madi	Systems Immunology MadiLab, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Systems immunology for cancer	We explore these cells and circuits in the context of tumor pathology, following stimulation, immunotherapies, or cell-cell interactions. We apply 3D bioprinting of tumors, single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, mouse tumor models, molecular biology, combined with advanced computational approaches to identify and functionally characterize genes that play a critical role in immune cell circuits and their effects on tumor growth. Link
Prof. Hila May	Biohistory and Evolutionary Medicine Laboratory, Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Biohistory and evolutionary medicine	The study of the compromises between the desired human anatomical design, and the realistic design developed during evolution, which brings forth trade-offs between different anatomical structures during an evolutionary process of adaptation and has an impact on modern human health. Reconstruction of ancient populations' daily life, based on their skeletal remains. Link
Dr. Michael Milyavsky	Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Leukemia and hematopoietic stem cells	How normal and leukemia stem cells regenerate after acute or chronic damage is our main research interest. We address these questions by studying DNA damage signaling and its outcomes in highly purified human normal and leukemia cell subsets, using humanized mice and genetic engineering. Link
Prof. Ariel Munitz	Department of Human Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Immunity in health and disease	Eludicating cellular and molecular mechanisms that are involved in mucosal inflammation. The roles of immune inhibitory receptss in the lung and gastrointestinal tract. Link
Prof. Drorit Neumann	Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Osteoporosis	The interplay between the hematological and skeletal tissues in health and disease. We study Epo in mouse models and patients, a player in osteoimmunology with a link to outcomes on bone and immune cells. Link
Prof. Yuval Nir	Dept. of Physiology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience	Sleep and its relation to cognition	We study brain activity during sleep, how it supports cognition and restorative functions, and how it affects sensation and consciousness, using a unique combination of animal and human research. Link
Dr. Yaara Oren	Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences	Cancer persister cells	We study non-Darwinian evolution in the context of cancer therapy. The team focuses on a recently discovered sub-population of cancer cells, called persister cells, that can evade therapy through a non-mutational reversible mechanism. Link
Prof. Moran Rubinstein	Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience / Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center campus	Molecular basis of developmental epilepsies and autism	By combining genetic, electrophysiological, and behavioral approaches, our goal is to elucidate the neurobiological basis of developmental epilepsies and autism for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We developed a novel viral mediated gene therapy treatment for Dravet syndrome, a devastating form of developmental epilepsy caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene. Link
Prof. Dani Offen	Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences / Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center campus	Translational neuroscience	We concentrat oen the processes of cell death in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically in Parkinson's and ALS, to develop cell-based and gene-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. His team uses advanced methods, such as CRISPR/Cas9, for in vivo gene modification, for the delivery of therapeutics into the CNS, including mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes and peptides. Link
Prof. Nir Osherov	Department of Human Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Fungal diseases and novel treatments	We use cutting-edge molecular techniques to study how Invasive Aspergillosis infects the lungs and how it develops resistance to antifungal drugs, developing new drugs that take advantage of its weaknesses Link
Prof. Udi Qimron	Department of Human Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	CRISPR-Cas for bacterial resistance	Our approach uses the genetic engineering tool, CRISPR-Cas, to eliminate resistance genes from bacteria, and at the same time to enable growth of antibiotic-sensitive bacteria. Link
Prof. Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld	Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Molecular signaling pathways in cancer and health	The study of the Wnt signaling pathway in nucleated and enucleated cells. Development of a novel treatment strategy based on mutation stop-codon read-through in key genes. This strategy is suitable for treatment of a large numbers of diseases, among them are different cancer types such as colorectal cancer. Link
Prof. Ronit Sagi-Eisenberg	Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Allergic diseases	Decoding the molecular mechanisms underlying mast cell involvement in allergic and inflammatory diseases. Link
Prof. Dor Salomon	Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Bacterial toxins and antibacterial treatments	We are employing multi-disciplinary approaches to study mechanisms and toxins that are used by bacteria to neutralize their bacterial competitors. By adapting and custom-engineering these natural antibacterial mechanisms, we are developing next-generation antibacterial treatments and prophylactics. Link
Prof. Ronit Satchi-Fainaro	Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Nanomedicine	Multivalency of polymer therapeutics used for the integration of anti-angiogenic therapy with chemotherapy. We develop 3D cancer models that capture the clinical characteristics and drug responsiveness of human cancer for clinically translatable therapies for various cancer types. Link
Dr. Eric Shifrut	Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences / Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center campus	Immuno-oncology & cell engineering	We develop and leverage CRISPR-based platforms in primary human T cells to discover ways to engineer robust anti-tumor immunity to design breakthrough cell-based therapies and learn how to engineer immune cells to function in the suppressive tumor microenvironment. Link
Prof. Noam Shomron	Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Genomics and human diseases	Analysis of genomics, combining high-throughput methods and bioinformatics to explore gene regulators, such as microRNAs, in order to reach a global, systems perspective on the mechanistic roles small RNA play during disease development. Link
Prof. Ella Sklan	Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Novel anti-viral drugs	Our primary goal is to understand interactions of RNA viruses with their host cells. Her team employs genome-wide genetic screens to identify host factors affecting viral propagation and identify novel anti-viral drugs. Link
Dr. Viviane Slon	Department of Anatomy and Anthropology / Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Ancient DNA	Using ancient DNA to reconstruct the genetic history of past populations in the southern Levant and improving laboratory methods for recovering ancient DNA from sediments. The study of ancient genomes allows to elucidate not only who were the people living in the past, but also how past events effect on our own genomes today. Link
Prof. Ronen Zaidel-Bar	Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences	Cytoskeletal regulation of morphogenesis	Understanding how embryos develop their shape by studying the regulation of the actomyosin cytoskeleton in the nematode C. elegans using genetics and advanced light microscopy techniques. Link