Department of Biological Regulation
Hadassa Degani, Head
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 the meiotic cell cycle: use of rat oocytes as a model system.
Cell-to-cell communication: regulation of expression,posttranslational modification, degradation and function of the gap junction protein, Cx43.
Endothelin1-mediated regulation of vascularization: role in implantation.
Molecular characterization of the ovulatory cascade
Ovarian follicle atresia as a model of apoptosis: The role of caspase proteases in this process.
DNA damage and apoptosis: The role of BID in cell life and death decisions.
Mitochondria in apoptosis: Mechanisms of action of the pro-apoptotic BID molecule.
Anti-idiotypic antibodies as probes of molecular mimicry.
Peptides isolated from phage displayed peptide libraries as estrogen mimetics.
F. Kohen, E. Katzircarboxymetyl isoflavone derivatives as selective estrogen receptor modulators
F. Kohen, Dalia SomjenMechanisms of Hedgehog signaling in human cancer cells.
Role of caveolin-1 in regulating growth and survival of human cancer cells.
Roles of phospholipase D and phosphatidic acid in cell signaling and membrane transport.
Engineering ligand-modulated recombinant proteins.
Positive and negative regulators of pre-ovulatory angiogenesis in the normal rat ovary, ovarian preservation by ectopic implantation.
M. Neeman, Tomer Israely, Alex TsafririAngiogenesis during embryonic implantation and placenta development
M. Neeman, Eli Geva, Vicki Plaks, Nava DekelMRI of angiogenesis
M. Neeman, Liora Shiftan, Galit Mazooz, Dorit Granot, Gila Meir
- The role of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in tumor growthangiogenesis, vascular permeability and vascular maturation
- MR labeling and tracking of cell migration during angiogenesis
- Development of MR contrast material for mapping activity of tissue transglutaminase
- Development of a contrast material for MR mapping hyaluronidase activity
In vivo MRI analysis of lymphatic drain and lymphangiogenesis.
M. Neeman, Hagit Dafni, Keren Ziv, Batya Cohen, Zaver Bhujwalla
- The role of VEGF-A in interstitial convection and lymphatic drain
- MRI analysis of lymphatic drain and lymph node metastasis
- Development of avidin chase for non invasive mapping of lymphatic drain
- The role of VEGF family members in tumor lymphangiogenesis
Anti-cancer treatments :
- Development of novel bacteriochlorophyll-based drugs for photochemotherapy.
- 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.
Signal transduction via G protein-coupled receptors.
Identification, characterization and cloning of two novel MAP kinase isoforms.
The nuclear translocation of ERK and MEK - characterization and molecular mechanisms.
Molecular regulation of oocyte maturation in mammals.
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.
Targeted therapy of cancer tailored to intecept grwoth factor receptor signaling
Signal transduction networks in development and disease.
The role growth factor in human cancer