Human pathology is a result of complex processes that depend on the interplay between malignant cells, stroma, and the immune system, which can act both to suppress and promote various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. While it is appreciated that all these players are important, we have much better understanding of individual cells than of their cumulative behavior. Our research is focused on understanding how different cells interact as a system in health and disease to collectively define progression and outcome in response to treatment. We combine novel high-dimensional imaging methods with advanced computational analysis, artificial intelligence and clinical collaborations, with the ultimate goal of achieving in-depth understanding of systemic, trans-cellular interactions leading to the development of better treatments and diagnostics.
Our approach
The Keren lab uses MIBI-TOF (Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging by Time of Flight), a novel imaging platform in which antibodies conjugated to metals are used to simultaneously visualize dozens of proteins by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). The result is a high-dimensional image, depicting sub-cellular protein expression and localization in situ.
