scientific activities - weizmann institute of science · 2009. 4. 7. · edited, designed and...

The Weizmann Institute of Science

Scientific ActivitiesScientific Activities

2005

Scientific Activities2005

Rehovot, Israel

Edited, Designed and Typeset byAviva Ovadia

Cover Design byGraphics Department

Weizmann Institute of Science

We wish to thank all the secretarial staff who worked on this project,without whose help this publication would not be possible.

Printed in IsraelBy Publishing Department

Weizmann Institute of Science

ISSN 0083-7849

Contents

Board of Governors viiScientific and Academic Advisory Committee xvOfficers of the Weizmann Institute xviiWeizmann Institute of Science xix

Faculty of Biochemistry

Faculty of Biochemistry - Overview 3Biological Chemistry 5Molecular Genetics 15Plant Sciences 25Biological Services 33Avron-Wilstätter Minerva Center for Research in Photosynthesis 35Y. Leon Benoziyo Institute for Molecular Medicine 37Dr. Josef Cohn Minerva Center for Biomembrane Research 39Crown Human Genome Center 41Mel Dobrin Center for Nutrition 43Leo and Julia Forchheimer Center for Molecular Genetics 45Kekst Family Center for Medical Genetics 47Charles W. and Tillie K. Lubin Center for Plant Biotechnology 49M.D. Moross Institute for Cancer Research 53David and Fela Shapell Family Center for Genetic Disorders Research 55Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Center for Plant Molecular Genetics Research 57

Faculty of Biology

Faculty of Biology - Overview 61Biological Regulation 63Immunology 71Molecular Cell Biology 79Neurobiology 95Veterinary Resources 101Helen and Norman Asher Center for Human Brain Imaging 103Benoziyo Center for Neurological Diseases 105Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for Neurosciences 107Carl and Micaela Einhorn-Dominic Institute for Brain Research 109Murray H. and Meyer Grodetsky Center for Research of Higher Brain Functions 111Belle S. and Irving E. Meller Center for the Biology of Aging 113Gabrielle Rich Center for Transplantation Biology Research 115Willner Family Center for Vascular Biology 117

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Women's Health Research Center 121Yad Abraham Research Center for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy 123

Faculty of Chemistry

Faculty of Chemistry - Overview 127Chemical Physics 131Environmental Sciences and Energy Research 137Materials and Interfaces 141Organic Chemistry 147Structural Biology 153Solar Research Facilities Unit 159Chemical Research Support 161Center for Energy Research 175Fritz Haber Center for Physical Chemistry 177Ilse Katz Institute for Material Sciences and Magnetic Resonance Research 179Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for Archaeological Science 181Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for Molecular Design 183Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for Nanoscale Science 185Helen and Milton A. Kimmelman Center for Biomolecular Structure and Assembly 187Joseph and Ceil Mazer Center for Structural Biology 189Gerhard M.J. Schmidt Minerva Center for Supramolecular Architecture 191Sussman Family Center for the Study of Environmental Sciences 193

Faculty of Physics

Faculty of Physics - Overview 197Condensed Matter Physics 199Particle Physics 207Physics of Complex Systems 215Physics Services 221Center for Experimental Physics 223Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for High Energy Physics 225Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Center for Submicron Research 229Albert Einstein Minerva Center for Theoretical Physics 233Maurice and Gabriella Goldschleger Center for Nanophysics 235Minerva Center for Nonlinear Physics of Complex Systems 237

Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science

Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science - Overview 243Computer Science and Applied Mathematics 245Mathematics 253Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science 259Ida Cohen Center for Mathematics 261John von Neumann Minerva Center for the Development of Reactive Systems 263

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Feinberg Graduate School

Feinberg Graduate School 267Science Teaching 327Young@Science 337Aharon Katzir-Katchalski Center 341

Institute-Wide Centers

Clore Center for Biological Physics 347Dolfi and Lola Ebner Center for Biomedical Research 349J&R Center for Scientific Research 351Center for New Scientists 353Center for Scientific Excellence 355Prospective Center for Systems Biology 357

Directorate for Research and Academic Affairs

Directorate for Research and Academic Affairs - Overview 361Academic Affairs Office 362

Appointments and Promotions 363Awards 365Honors 366Summer Science Programs for Students 375Visiting Professors Program 377Weizmann Memorial Lectures 378Weizmann Professorial Chairs, CDCs and Fellowships 380

Research Grants and Projects Office 397Visiting Scientists Office 398

Division of Information Systems 399Division of Logistics and Research Services 411

Amos de-Shalit Foundation 417Davidson Institute for Science Education 419Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd. 429

Weizmann Institute Activities on the Internet Current Research Activities 431Keyword Search for Institute Researchers 431Scientific Activities 431

The Board of Governors

Stuart E. Eizenstat***, Washington, DC, USA, Chair of the Board (until November 2005)Mandy Moross*, London, UK, Chair of the Board (from November 2005)H. Thomas Beck*, Toronto, Ont, Canada, Deputy Chair of the BoardLawrence S. Blumberg, Esq.*, New York, NY, USA, Deputy Chair of the Board (until

November 2005)Lester Crown*, Chicago, IL, USA, Deputy Chair of the BoardRobert J. Drake*, Wassenaar, The Netherlands, Deputy Chair of the BoardDame Vivien Duffield*, Geneva, Switzerland, Deputy Chair of the Board (from November

2005)Prof. Yoram Groner*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, Deputy Chair of the BoardS. Donald Sussman*, Greenwich, CT, USA, Deputy Chair of the BoardAbraham Ben-Naftali*, Tel Aviv, Israel, Chair of the Executive CouncilOded Aboodi***, New York, NY, USA (until November 2005)Ayala Zacks Abramov, Jerusalem, IsraelGary M. Abramson, N. Bethesda, MD, USASem Almaleh, Geneva, SwitzerlandSally Leafman Appelbaum, Scottsdale, AZ, USAProf. Ruth Arnon*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelProf. Zvi Artstein*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelHelen S. Asher, Chicago, IL, USARobert H. Asher*, Chicago, IL, USA, ex-officio member (also elected member)David Assia, Or-Yehuda, IsraelYehuda Assia*, Tel Aviv, IsraelProf. Sir John M. Ball, FRS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UKProf. David Baltimore, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, USAProf. Allen J. Bard, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USARobert G. Begam*, Phoenix, AZ, USARobert A. Belfer, New York, NY, USAProf. Haim Ben-Shahar, Tel Aviv, IsraelDr. Emile Benassayag**, Paris, FranceMarshall Bennett, Northbrook, IL, USA

*Member of the Executive Council**Member of the Executive Council from November 2005***Member of the Executive Council until November 2005

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Prof. Sir Michael V. Berry, FRS, University of Bristol, Bristol, UKMaks L. Birnbach*, New York, NY, USARené Braginsky, Zurich, Switzerland Frances Brody, Los Angeles, CA, USAL. Yehuda Bronicki*, Yavne, IsraelStanley Chais*, Beverly Hills, CA, USAProf. Ilan Chet*, President, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelJoseph Ciechanover, Tel Aviv, IsraelDoron Cohen*, Ramat-Gan, IsraelProf. Marvin L. Cohen, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USANorman D. Cohen*, New York, NY, USASir Ronald Cohen, London, UKProf. Mildred Cohn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USASamy Cohn*, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilProf. Paul J. Crutzen, Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie, Mainz, GermanyDr. Hubert Curien, Paris, France (deceased February 6, 2005)Prof. Constantine M. Dafermos, Brown University, Providence, RI, USALeslie L. Dan, Scarborough, Ont, CanadaThe Hon. Mrs. Janet de Botton, CBE, London, UKRaoul de Picciotto, Monte Carlo, MonacoMeir de Shalit, Herzliya Pituach, IsraelHelen Diller, Woodside, CA, USAProf. Charles A. Dinarello, MD, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USADr. Zvi Dinstein, Tel Aviv, IsraelIdo Dissentshik*, Tel Aviv, IsraelSonnie Dockser, Bethesda, MD, USAProf. Jonathan M. Dorfan, SLAC, Menlo Park, CA, USAProf. Israel Dostrovsky*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelProf. Sidney D. Drell, SLAC, Menlo Park, CA, USAProf. Mildred S. Dresselhaus, M.I.T., Cambridge, MA, USAProf. Aryeh Dvoretzky*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelMaurice M. Dwek*, Geneva, SwitzerlandRobert Equey, Chêne-Bougeries, SwitzerlandMichael Federmann*, Tel Aviv, IsraelProf. Mitchell J. Feigenbaum, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USAProf. Sir Alan R. Fersht*, FRS, MRC Centre for Protein Engineering, Cambridge, UKAlan A. Fischer*, Larchmont, NY, USAProf. Edmond H. Fischer, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USAProf. Michael E. Fisher, FRS, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USAMichael R. Forman, Los Angeles, CA, USAMoshe Gavish*, Tel Aviv, Israel

*Member of the Executive Council

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Dr. Martin L. Gecht, Chicago, IL, USA (deceased January 3, 2005)Mauricio Gerson, Mexico, D.F., MexicoMartin S. Gerstel*, Jerusalem, IsraelDavid Ginsburg*, Washington, DC, USAFrançoise Glasberg, Paris, France (until November 2005)Prof. Michel E. Goldberg, Institut Pasteur, Paris, FranceBram Goldsmith, Beverly Hills, CA, USAAbraham M. Goldwasser*, Savyon, IsraelCarol Gordon, Toronto, Ont, CanadaProf. Michael B. Green, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UKScott D. Greenberg, Lincolnshire, IL, USABaroness Susan A. Greenfield, CBE, London, UKProf. François Gros*, Académie des Sciences, Paris, FranceJoseph Gurwin, New York, NY, USAWilhelm Haas, Bonn, GermanyJoseph D. Hackmey*, London, UKGideon J. Hamburger*, Ramat-Gan, IsraelProf. Haim Harari*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelShimshon Harel**, Herzliya Pituach, IsraelYossie Hollander*, Herzliya Pituach, IsraelEphraim Ilin***, Tel Aviv, IsraelArmando Jinich, Mexico, D.F., MexicoDr. Yair Kadishay*, Ramat Hasharon, IsraelRoberto Kaminitz, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilShelly B. Kamins, Esq., Bethesda, MD, USAProf. Richard M. Karp, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USAIsaac Kaul*, Rishon LeZion, IsraelJames F. Kay, Toronto, Ont, CanadaGershon Kekst*, New York, NY, USAMorris Kerzner, Toronto, Ont, CanadaHelen L. Kimmel*, New York, NY, USAMartin S. Kimmel*, New York, NY, USADerrick Kleeman*, Geneva, SwitzerlandPeter J. Kleeman*, London, UKAndrea Klepetar-Fallek, New York, NY, USAProf. Sir Aaron Klug, FRS, Medical Research Council, Cambridge, UKMarvelle Koffler, Toronto, Ont, CanadaMurray B. Koffler*, Toronto, Ont, CanadaProf. Walter Kohn, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA

*Member of the Executive Council**Member of the Executive Council from November 2005***Member of the Executive Council until November 2005

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Arthur B. Konviser*, Toronto, Ont, Canada (deceased June 22, 2005)Prof. Daniel E. Koshland, Jr., University of California, Berkeley, CA, USAAlain Köstenbaum, Geneva, SwitzerlandBenny Landa, Rehovot, IsraelProf. Jean-Marie Lehn, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, FranceJonathan D. Leitersdorf*, New York, NY, USAProf. Arnold J. Levine, Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton, NJ, USAMorton Levine, Delray Beach, FL, USABarbara S. Levinson*, Palm Beach, FL, USAProf. Albert J. Libchaber, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USARobert B. Machinist*, New York, NY, USAJoshua Maor*, Ramat-Gan, IsraelDan Mayer*, Zug, SwitzerlandRina Mayer, Tel Aviv, IsraelGurion Meltzer*, Tel Aviv, IsraelDr. Leora Meridor*, Jerusalem, IsraelRoselyn B. Meyer, Aventura, FL, USAProf. David Mirelman*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelLord Parry A. Mitchell**, London, UKAndrew R. Morse*, Harrison, NY, USALon Morton, Calabasas, CA, USA (from November 2005)Shlomo Nehama, Tel Aviv, Israel (from November 2005)Prof. Yosef Nir*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, ex-officio memberJoseph G. Nissim*, Geneva, SwitzerlandProf. Moshe Oren, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelDr. Joseph L. Owades, Sonoma, CA, USA (deceased December 16, 2005)Martin D. Paisner, CBE*, London, UKChemi Peres, Herzliya, IsraelCharles I. Petschek, New York, NY, USAMorton Pickman, Boca Raton, FL, USAProf. Philip A. Pincus, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USAProf. Alexander Pines, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USABruce G. Pollack, Armonk, NY, USAJeannette Pomeraniec, London, UK (deceased July 20, 2005)Moshe Porath*, Tel Aviv, IsraelProf. Yehiam Prior*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, ex-officio memberDan Propper, Petah-Tiqua, IsraelEitan Raff, Tel Aviv, Israel (until November 2005)Prof. Alexander Rich, M.I.T., Cambridge, MA, USASir John H. Ritblat, London, UK

*Member of the Executive Council**Member of the Executive Council from November 2005

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Barrie D. Rose*, Toronto, Ont, CanadaProf. Jesse Roth, MD, FACP, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY, USALord Rothschild, GBE, London, UKJoseph Roubache, Paris, FranceProf. Samuel A. Safran*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, ex-officio memberProf. Bert Sakmann, Max-Planck-Institut für Medizinische Forschung, Heidelberg, GermanyRowland Schaefer, Pembroke Pines, FL, USALeon Schidlow*, Sierra Vertientes, D.F., MexicoPierre L. Schoenheimer, New York, NY, USA (from November 2005)Sara L. Schupf, New York, NY, USAProf. Michael Sela*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelDavid Shapell, Beverly Hills, CA, USADaniel S. Shapiro, London, UKBarry Sherman, Weston, Ont, CanadaThe Honorable Sir David Sieff*, London, UK, Vice Chair of the Executive CouncilKaren A. Siem, London, UKDr. Maxine F. Singer*, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC, USADr. Jay A. Smith, Toronto, Ont, CanadaBrian J. Steck, Toronto, Ont, CanadaLuis E. Stillmann, Mexico, D.F., MexicoLord Stone of Blackheath, London, UKDoron Tamir, Tel Aviv, IsraelMarvin Tanner, Saint-Laurent (Montreal), Quebec, CanadaEvelyn Tenenbaum, Bal Harbour, FL, USADavid I. Teplow, Weston, MA, USATheodore H. Teplow*, Cambridge, MA, USAJack L. Terpins, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilBarry S. Townsley, CBE*, London, UKProf. Marc Van Montagu, Brussels, BelgiumDr. Yossi Vardi, Tel Aviv, IsraelSaul Waring, New York, NY, USAProf. Hans A. Weidenmüller*, Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Heidelberg, GermanyProf. Charles Weissmann, MD, PhD, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USADr. Albert Willner*, Delray Beach, FL, USADr. Herbert Winter*, Zurich, SwitzerlandPeter M. Wolff, London, UKThe Rt. Hon. Lord Wolfson of Marylebone, FBA, London, UKProf. Yosef Yarden, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelProf. Ada Yonath, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelProf. Dr. Hans F. Zacher, Max-Planck-Institut für ausländisches u. intern. Sozialrecht,

München, Germany


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Jacques Zagury, Mexico, D.F., MexicoDr. Felix Zandman, Malvern, PA, USAEugene M. Zemsky, Chicago, IL, USAHenri Zimand, Monte Carlo, MonacoUzi Zucker*, New York, NY, USARoy J. Zuckerberg, New York, NY, USASharon Zuckerman, Willowdale, Ont, Canada

The Founding Chairperson

The late Dewey D. Stone (served from 1949 to 1971)

Governors Emeriti

Prof. Duilio Arigoni, ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich, SwitzerlandProf. Fritz H. Bach, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USAAmnon S. Barness, New York, NY, USAProf. Baruj Benacerraf, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USAStuart A. Bernstein, Washington, DC, USAMarc Besen, Toorak, Victoria, AustraliaAlbert Bildner, New York, NY, USADr. Elkan R. Blout, Cambridge, MA, USAGerald Blumberg, New York, NY, USAPaul Borman, Franklin, MI, USAJoseph Brender, Point Piper, NSW, AustraliaEdgar M. Bronfman, New York, NY, USAHugh T. Cameron, Oakville, Ont, CanadaStanley S. Cohen, OBE, London, UKSir Zelman Cowen, East Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaProf. Jean Dausset, Human Polymorphism Study Center, Paris, FranceDavid L. Dennis, Toronto, Ont, CanadaProf. Samuel Devons, Columbia University, Irvington, NY, USASir Harry Djanogly, CBE, London, UKMelvyn A. Dobrin, Westmount, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaProf. Gerald M. Edelman, The Neurosciences Institute, San Diego, CA, USAProf. Manfred Eigen, Max-Planck-Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, Göttingen-

Nikolausberg, GermanyProf. Gerald Estrin, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USAMarshall S. Ezralow, Calabasas, CA, USAProf. George Feher, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USASir David Frost, OBE, London, UK


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Herbert M. Gelfand, Los Angeles, CA, USAHenny Gestetner, OBE, London, UK (deceased November 16, 2005)Françoise Glasberg, Paris, France (from November 2005)Dr. Amnon Goldenberg, Tel Aviv, Israel (deceased June 21, 2005)Prof. Maurice Goldhaber, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, Long Island, NY, USADr. Carlos Goldman, Caracas, VenezuelaDr. Jacob E. Goldman, Norwalk, CT, USARichard N. Goldman, San Francisco, CA, USARichard F. Goodman, New York, NY, USAJoel Greisman, Don Mills, Ont, CanadaShlomo Grofman, Tel Aviv, IsraelDr. George S. Hammond, Portland, OR, USA (deceased October 5, 2005)Dr. Niels Hansen, Bonn, GermanyYeheskiel Harmelech, Rehovot, IsraelDr. Hans-Hilger Haunschild, Bonn, GermanyHy Isenbaum, Toronto, Ont, CanadaPhilip M. Kaiser, Washington, DC, USAProf. Ephraim Katchalski-Katzir, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelTeddy Kollek, Jerusalem, IsraelProf. Arthur Kornberg, MD, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USAProf. Sir Hans L. Kornberg, FRS, Boston University, Boston, MA, USAMartha Laub, Wilrijk-Antwerpen, BelgiumDov Lautman, Tel Aviv, IsraelProf. Joshua Lederberg, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USAProf. Leon M. Lederman, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, IL, USAWilliam Levine, Chicago, IL, USACecil Lewis, Geneva, Switzerland (deceased July 28, 2005)André Marcus, Monte Carlo, MonacoProf. Paul A. Marks, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USAJohn J. Mason, Washington, DC, USAProf. N. Avrion Mitchison, FRS, UCL Medical School, London, UKHenri M. Monod, Paris, FranceProf. George D. Mostow, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USAJackie Rosenfeld, OBE, London, UKDr. George Rosenkranz, Mexico, D.F., MexicoProf. John Ross, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USASamuel Rothberg, Peoria, IL, USADr. Aser Rothstein, Toronto, Ont, CanadaBarry Rymer, Alpharetta, GA, USAProf. Harold A. Scheraga, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USAWalter E. Schoenfeld, Seattle, WA, USAProf. Melvin Schwartz, Ketchum, ID, USAJerome A. Siegel, New York, NY, USA

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William H. Singer, Tucson, AZ, USAProf. Heinz A. Staab, Max-Planck-Institut für Medizinische Forschung, Heidelberg, GermanyStephen L. Stulman, New York, NY, USAProf. Sir John M. Thomas, FRS, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UKLord Weidenfeld of Chelsea, London, UKAdam Weis, Toorak, Victoria, AustraliaAlan B. Weissman, Greenwich, CT, USAProf. Bernard Winicki, Neuilly/Seine, FranceDr. Alejandro Zaffaroni, Mountain View, CA, USA

The Scientific and Academic Advisory Committee

Co-Chairs

Prof. Sir Alan R. Fersht, FRS, MRC Centre for Protein Engineering, Cambridge, UKProf. Hans A. Weidenmüller, Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Heidelberg, Germany

Prof. Sir John M. Ball, FRS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UKProf. David Baltimore, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, USAProf. Allen J. Bard, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USAProf. Sir Michael V. Berry, FRS, University of Bristol, Bristol, UKProf. Ilan Chet, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, ex-officio memberProf. Marvin L. Cohen, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USAProf. Mildred Cohn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USAProf. Paul J. Crutzen, Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie, Mainz, GermanyProf. Constantine M. Dafermos, Brown University, Providence, RI, USAProf. Charles A. Dinarello, MD, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USAProf. Jonathan M. Dorfan, SLAC, Menlo Park, CA, USAProf. Sidney D. Drell, SLAC, Menlo Park, CA, USAProf. Mildred S. Dresselhaus, M.I.T., Cambridge, MA, USAProf. Mitchell J. Feigenbaum, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USAProf. Edmond H. Fischer, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USAProf. Michael E. Fisher, FRS, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USAProf. Michael B. Green, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UKProf. François Gros, Académie des Sciences, Paris, FranceProf. Richard M. Karp, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USAProf. Sir Aaron Klug, FRS, Medical Research Council, Cambridge, UKProf. Walter Kohn, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USAProf. Daniel E. Koshland, Jr., University of California, Berkeley, CA, USAProf. Jean-Marie Lehn, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, FranceProf. Arnold J. Levine, Institute for Advanced Studies, Princeton, NJ, USAProf. Albert J. Libchaber, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USAMandy Moross, London, UK, ex-officio memberProf. Philip A. Pincus, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USAProf. Alexander Pines, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USAProf. Alexander Rich, M. I. T., Cambridge, MA, USAProf. Bert Sakmann, Max-Planck-Institut für Medizinische Forschung, Heidelberg, GermanyDr. Maxine F. Singer, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC, USAProf. Marc Van Montagu, Brussels, BelgiumProf. Charles Weissmann, MD, PhD, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA

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Institute Officers

President Advisory Committee to the President

Professor Ilan Chet

Vice PresidentProfessor Samuel Safran

Vice President for Administration and Finance

Gad Kober

Vice President for International Affairs and Public Relations

Amy Matchen (until May 2005)

Vice President for Technology TransferProfessor Haim Garty

Senior Advisor to the President on Information Systems

Professor Yigal Burstein

Chair, Council of Professors Professor Yosef Nir

Chair, Scientific CouncilProfessor Yehiam Prior

Vice Chair, Scientific CouncilProfessor Menachem Rubinstein

Professor Zvi ArtsteinProfessor Haim GartyProfessor Benjamin GeigerGad Kober Amy Matchen (until May 2005)Proessor Yosef NirProfessor Yehiam PriorProfessor Samuel SafranProfessor Mordechai ShevesProfessor Ben-Zion ShiloProfessor Yaron SilberbergProfessor Yosef Yarden

The Feinberg Graduate School(chartered by the New York State Board of

Regents)

PresidentRobert A. Belfer

Immediate Past PresidentRobert Asher

ChairmanProfessor Melvin Schwartz

Founding ChairmanAbraham Feinberg (deceased)

Secretary and TreasurerAndrew Morse

Dean of the Feinberg Graduate SchoolProfessor Yosef Yarden

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Deans of the Faculties Head, Division of Logistics and Research Services

BiochemistryProfessor Ben-Zion Shilo

BiologyProfessor Benjamin Geiger

ChemistryProfessor Mordechai Sheves

PhysicsProfessor Yaron Silberberg

Mathematics and Computer ScienceProfessor Zvi Artstein

Senior Administrative Officers

Academic Secretary and Head, Directorate for Research and Academic Affairs

Dr. Boaz Avron

Head, Construction and Physical Plant Maintenance Division

Eliezer Elhadad

Head, Finance DivisionOsnat Wishnitzer

Head, Human Resources DivisionVered Liverant Kessler

Asher Bar-on

Secretary of the AssociationIlana Eisen

Chief Legal CounselShulamit Geri

Internal AuditorDoron Yonai

Senior Advisor to the President Arie Zehavi

Division of International Affairs and Public Relations

Head, Division of International Affairs and Public Relations

Amalia Waxman (from July 2005)

Head, Publications and Media Relations Department

Yivsam Azgad

Head, Hospitality and EventsNavit Kopelis

Director, Strategic DevelopmentGila Shmueli

The Weizmann Institute of Science

The Weizmann Institute of Science, one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary researchcenters, is located in Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv on Israel’s coastal plain. Today, around 2500scientists, postdoctoral fellows, Ph.D. and M.Sc. students, and scientific, technical andadministrative staff work at the Institute, where lush lawns and sub-tropical gardens serve as abackdrop to the cutting-edge research performed in its labs. In addition, visiting scientists andtheir families – over 500 from 29 countries in 2005 – and numerous participants ininternational scientific conferences and symposia are regularly hosted at the Institute, whichalso offers a wide range of cultural and educational activities to the public at large.

When the Institute was conceived in 1933, the embattled Jewish population of Palestinenumbered 400,000 and Rehovot was a tiny agricultural community surrounded by orangegroves. In this milieu, Dr. Chaim Weizmann, who would later become the first President of theState of Israel, envisioned the establishment of a world-class scientific research center. Thoughresources were extremely scarce, Dr. Weizmann, a successful chemist and tireless statesmanfor the Zionist cause, believed such an institute was crucial to securing the future of a Jewishstate, both economically and politically.

Fortunately, there were others who shared his dream. In 1934, his friends Israel and RebeccaSieff established the Daniel Sieff Research Institute in memory of their son. Dr. Weizmann hadhis lab in the Daniel Sieff Institute, alongside those of 10 other full-time researchers in organicchemistry and biochemistry.

Throughout WWII and Israel’s War of Independence, Institute scientists were deeply involvedin the war efforts, yet under Dr. Weizmann’s direction, the Institute continued to grow. The endof WWII and the founding of the new Jewish state brought an influx of new scientific talent,and with it a new determination to make Israel a center of scientific excellence. By the time itwas formally dedicated in 1949, shortly after Israel’s declaration of independence, theWeizmann Institute housed 60 labs in nine fields of research, including organic, inorganic andbio- chemistry, optics and electronics, bacteriology and biophysics, polymer and isotoperesearch, and applied mathematics. The Wolfson Institute of Experimental Biology was underconstruction and the first residential quarters were nearing completion.

The Feinberg Graduate School was established in 1958, and the first PhD was conferred therein 1964. About 1000 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students are enrolled each year in studies covering theInstitute’s 18 departments, which are grouped into five faculties: Biochemistry, Biology,Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics and Computer Science. To meet the challenges ofmodern research, a number of multidisciplinary centers have been created to allow scientistsfrom completely different fields to work together in developing new approaches to everythingfrom creating new diagnostic tools to revealing the mechanics of living cells to artificial

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intelligence. In keeping with Dr. Weizmann’s vision of Israel as a scientific world leader, theInstitute continues to invest resources in ensuring the future of science: through the ScienceTeaching Department, established in 1968; the Davidson Institute of Science Education,founded in 2001, and Young@Science, which offers science activities ranging from weeklyafter-school programs, to science camps, competitions and a science-mobile that brings hands-on science to schools. The Clore Garden of Science, which opened in 1999, is the world’s firstcompletely interactive outdoor science museum, and it plays host to a widely popular sciencefestival each spring on the Weizmann campus.

In 1959, the Yeda Research and Development Co. was founded to function as the commercialarm of the Weizmann Institute. The first company of its kind in Israel, Yeda initiates andpromotes the transfer of innovations stemming from the research of Weizmann Institutescientists to the global marketplace. The Weizmann Institute was also a key player in theestablishment of the Kiryat Weizmann Industrial Park, a 40 acre site housing over 60 hi-techcompanies, many based on Institute discoveries, ranging from aircraft instruments tobioengineered drugs.

More than 70 years since the first labs were erected in the midst of bucolic orange groves, andover 50 since its official dedication, the Weizmann Institute, today more than ever, is at theforefront of global science.


Dean: Ben-Zion Shilo The Hilda and Cecil Lewis Professor of Molecular Genetics

Ilan Chet, Ph.D.(The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Institute Professor

Ephraim Katchalski-Katzir, Ph.D.(The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Institute Professor The Theodore R. Racoosin Professor of Biophysics


Dean: Ben-Zion Shilo The Hilda and Cecil Lewis Professor of Molecular Genetics

The Faculty of Biochemistry consists of three departments: Biological Chemistry, MolecularGenetics and Plant Sciences. The Faculty is also responsible for the activities of the BiologicalServices Department. A number of Research Centers operate within the different departments:Plant Sciences -- The Avron-Willsttter Minerva Center for Research in Photosynthesis; TheCharles W. and Tillie K. Lubin Center for Plant Biotechnology. The Harry and JeanetteWeinberg Center for Plant Molecular Genetics Research; the Mel Dobrin Center for Nutrition.Molecular Genetics -- The Leo and Julia Forchheimer Center for Molecular Genetics; TheCrown Human Genome Center; The M.D. Moross Institute for Cancer Research, (headed byProf. Yoram Groner in this Faculty), and the newly-established David & Fela Shapell FamilyCentre for Genetic Disorders Research. Biological Chemistry -- The Dr. Josef Cohn MinervaCenter for Biomembrane Research. In addition, the newly established Institute for MolecularMedicine, commemorating the late Y. Leon Benoziyo, is now operating under the auspices ofthe Faculty.

The faculty is comprised of three scientific departments, including Biological Chemistry,Molecular Genetics and Plant Sciences, as well as the Biological Services unit.

Members of the Faculty conduct investigations covering a wide range of research programsOne of the more exciting aspects of modern biological research, which is characterizing thepost genome era, is that basic questions at the molecular level can be studied in very diversesystems and the findings can become relevant also to other systems. For instance, the resultsobtained from the identification of genes involved in the development of an organ or a specifictissue in plants are frequently found to have similarities in mammalian systems. Thecharacterization of proteins involved in membrane transporters and how they discriminatebetween a wide range of molecules may contribute in the rational design of novel therapies forhuman malignancies.

The completion of the sequencing of the human genome as well as that of the genomes of otherorganisms represents a major scientific achievement and members of our Faculty havecontinued to significantly contribute to this worldwide effort. One of the challengesundertaken is to assign a function to specific genes isolated from human genetic diseases orother sorts of human pathologies and the use of knockout mice is very beneficial.

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4 Faculty of Biochemistry

Furthermore, findings on the mechanisms of DNA repair are shedding new light on theirconnection to the incidence of malignancies in populations exposed to mutagenic substances.

The availability of the complete Arabidopsis plant genome is also revolutionizing research.Plant genomes show a great degree of plasticity, so that the genetic variance within any oneplant species can be much greater than anything encountered within animal species. Membersof the Faculty have unraveled part of the reason for this rapid genomic evolution which is dueto the unique dynamic process of polyploidization. Another exciting area of investigation isthe genome organization of plant defense ‘sentinels’ and trying to understand how theyfacilitate the plants adaptability to a changing pathogen environment. It has repeatedlydemonstrated that finding answers in the molecular biology of plant cells contributes to that ofmore complex systems such as mammalian cells. Continuous progress in the Life Sciences is more and more dependent on the ability tointroduce modern equipment as well as the to increase the cooperation between scientists ofdifferent expertise. During 2005 the facilities were expanded especially in the areas of newmicroscope facilities, mass spectroscopy for small molecules and a micro CT for monitoringbone development.

In order to maintain the vibrant scientific environment, we are constantly searching to recruittalented young scientists and continue to invest in the establishment of new facilities and theacquisition of new equipment.

Biological Chemistry

Zvi Livneh, Head The Maxwell Ellis Professor of Biomedical Research

The Department of Biological Chemistry is home to more than 24 research groups, whosescientific activities span several areas in the Life Sciences. The common thread is the study ofthe biochemistry of life. Emphasis is on the investigation of proteins, whether soluble ormembrane-bound, and their key biological functions. We seek a molecular understanding oftheir structure, function, and interaction with other factors. A variety of biochemical,biophysical and molecular biological methods are being employed, with much overlappinginterests and inter-group cooperation. Current research activities evolve around the followingsix foci of interest:

1. Protein structure, function, design and evolution

E. Katchalski-Katzir and his colleagues are investigating molecular mechanisms ofprotein recognition by examining interactions between specific proteins and peptidesselected from a random peptide library. In parallel they develop and apply a theoreticalprotein-protein recognition algorithm (docking). G. Schreiber and his coworkers studythe basic physico-chemical principles governing protein-protein interactions, and howthese relate to complex biological processes. The gained understanding is implementedin several medically relevant systems such as the binding of interferon to its receptor, aswell as in algorithm development. M. Wilchek and his group are studying the structureof avidin and its exceptionally high affinity to biotin. The avidin-biotin complex is beingutilized for a variety of new biotechnological applications. E. A. Bayer and hiscolleagues are studying the structure, architecture and biotechnological applications ofthe multi-enzyme cellulosome complex, its interactions with cellulose and other plantcell-wall polysaccharides. The group of D. Tawfik is interested in the mechanism andevolution of proteins, and enzymes in particular. They perform laboratory evolutionexperiments aimed at understanding how new proteins evolve, and at the creation ofnovel enzymes with tailor-made activities.

2. Structure and function of ion channels, pumps, other transporters, viral envelopeproteins, and photosynthesis proteins

Several groups are investigating proteins that form specific pores across the cellmembrane. E. Reuveny is investigating the molecular properties of a group of neuronalK+ channels and their interaction with G-proteins. Y. Shai's group uses a

5

6 Biological Chemistry

multidisciplinary approach to study the principles of the insertion, assembly and functionof membrane proteins involved in infectious diseases, mainly host-defense peptides(antimicrobial and anticancer peptides), and viral envelope proteins (HIV/SIV gp41).These studies also led to the design of novel antimicrobial, anticancer and antiviraldrugs. Nuclear pore complexes, multi-protein structures that transport macromoleculesin and out of the nucleus, are being studied by Z. Reich. His work utilizes biophysicalmethods such as atomic force microscopy. H. Garty focuses on two themes in theregulation of ion transport, which participate in maintaining body salt and water balance.One is the epithelial Na+ channel, which mediates the aldosterone-dependent Na+reabsorption in the kidney and intestine, and the other is a new group of tissue specificregulators of the Na+/K+ ATPase, the FXYD proteins. S. J. D. Karlish and hiscolleagues are exploring the structure and organization of Na, K-ATPase, and itsregulation by FXYD proteins. This ion pump plays a central role in maintaining Na andK gradients across the cell membrane and is involved in the pathophysiology ofesssential hypertension. Another family of transport proteins, which extrude toxins fromcells, and hence pose a major obstacle in cancer chemotherapy and antibiotic treatment,is being studied by E. Bibi. Other researchers are interested in photosynthesis and itsrelation to ion transport. Z. Gromet-Elhanan is studying the rotary mechanism of thephotosynthetic F0F1 ATP synthase, using genetically engineered hybrid bacterial/plantF1-core assemblies and single molecule analysis. S. Malkin's research in photosynthesisconcentrated on accomplishing an artificial model system for understanding the role ofzeaxanthin in the protection against photodamage under high light intensity. The groupsof U. Pick and A. Zamir are collaborating to elucidate the mechanisms by which thegreen alga Dunaliella copes with extreme changes in external salinity and with irondeprivation.

3. Mechanisms by which proteins and lipids are transported from their point ofsynthesis, sorted, and inserted into various organelles

Studies related to this general problem in cell biology are being carried out in a numberof laboratories. E. Bibi and his co-workers are studying the role of the signal recognitionparticle (SRP) and other cellular components in the biogenesis of prokaryotic membraneproteins. They seek to identify new components of the machinery, and to understandinghow ribosomes target and associate with the membrane, and how membrane proteinsynthesis is regulated. Z. Elazar is investigating intracellular protein traffic in eukaryoticsystems. His work has led to the identification of new factors that couple transportvesicles to cytoskeletal elements. Delivery of lipids to the cell membrane and their rolein neuronal growth is being studied by A. Futerman and his colleagues, with particularemphasis on related diseases such as Gaucher, Tay-Sachs, and Niemann-Pick disease.Together with I. Silman and J. Sussman he recently solved the structure of cerezyme, theenzyme given to Gaucher disease patients. In addition, he is working on mechanisms ofceramide signaling and has characterized a gene family involved in regulating ceramidesynthesis.

Biological Chemistry 7

4. Signal transduction, and molecular pathogenesis

Several researchers in the department are interested in problems related to signaltransduction, chemotaxis and pathogenesis. Michael Eisenbach’s group is investigating,at the molecular level, how bacteria navigate according to chemical cues (chemotaxis),and how human sperm cells are guided to the egg. They found that phosphorylation andacetylation, which activate the excitatory response regulator of chemotaxis in E. coli, arelinked and co-regulated. They also found that sperm guidance involves at least twosteps: a long-range thermal guidance (thermotaxis) from the cooler sperm storage site inthe female genital tract to the warmer fertilization site, and a short-range chemotaxis stepto substances secreted from the egg. The group of D. Wallach is studying mechanismsthat control cell death, and involve the caspase cysteine-protease family, andtranscription factors of the NF- B family. They have cloned and characterized severalproteins that participate in the mechanism and regulation of signaling for cell death andinflammation by receptors of the TNF/NGF family. Their studies on the function ofthese proteins, using transgenic mouse models, are currently focused on elucidating thecontribution of these proteins to skin pathology. Retrograde signaling complexes whichgovern neuronal growth and regeneration are being investigated by Michael Fainzilberand his co-workers. They have identified new targeting and scaffolding proteins thatenable axon-cell body communication in neurons. D. Mirelman and his co-workers arecharacterizing regulatory mechanisms that control the expression of virulence factors inthe human intestinal protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. Other studies, incollaboration with the group of M. Wilchek, focus on the therapeutic properties of thebiologically active garlic molecule Allicin. Y. Shechter is exploring the mechanism ofaction of insulin, with emphasis on post-receptor defects in adipose and muscle tissuesthat lead to insulin-resistance, and therefore connected to Diabetes type II and obesity inhumans. In addition he developed technologies to prolong the life-time of peptides andprotein drugs in vivo, and a therapeutic approach for overcoming states of insulinresistance in NIDDM patients. R. Miskin is studying the plasminogen activation system,and is utilizing transgenic animals to reveal biological roles of this system. Therapeuticand pathogenic signals of the cell membrane are being examined by M. Shinitzky intumor cells subjected to hydrostatic pressure. In addition, he investigates the effect ondifferentiation in breast cancer cells and neuoronal cells of cyclic phosphates, signalingmolecules that originate from phospholipid degradation. E. Shapiro's group is using ahigh-level computer process description language, Stochastic Pi Calculis, tomathematically specify and simulate signal transduction pathways. The overall goal of I.Chet's research is to understand molecular mechanisms by which opportunistic plantsymbionts, with Trichoderma harzianum strains as the model organisms, induceresistance to various plant pathogens.

5. Genome maintenance and function: DNA repair and gene expression

Z. Livneh and his co-workers are exploring the molecular mechanisms of DNA repairand mutagenesis. They study DNA polymerases that are specialized in replicatingdamaged DNA with the concomitant production of mutations, as well as the role ofDNA repair in human cancer susceptibility. Recently they discovered that reduced

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activity of the DNA repair enzyme OGG1 is a risk factor in lung cancer, and that thecombination of smoking and reduced OGG1 activity causes extra-susceptibility to thisdisease. Two groups are studying mechanisms mediating regulation of gene expression.R. Dikstein and her associates are investigating the molecular mechanism oftranscription regulation by TAFs, a highly conserved group of proteins that together withTBP (TATA-binding protein) constitutes the transcription initiation factor TFIID. M.Walker and colleagues are studying regulation of specific gene expression in the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cell. Recent studies have revealed that activity of a novel betacell receptor, GPR40 helps explain the important, yet poorly understood connectionbetween obesity and diabetes.

6. Biolmolecular computers and computation-based cell lineage analysis

E. Shapiro and his team are investigating the engineering of computers made ofbiological molecules. They succeeded to construct a finite automaton made of DNA andenzymes, which is capable of sensing and diagnosing molecular disease symptoms, andin response releasing a drug-like molecule in a test-tube model system. In a differentdirection, advanced computational techniques combined with somatic mutation analysisare used for reconstructing cell lineage trees in cultured cells and in mice.

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/

Research Staff, Visitors and Students

Professors

Ilan Chet, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelInstitute Professor

Michael Eisenbach, Ph.D., Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, IsraelThe Jack and Simon Djanogly Professor of Biochemistry

Anthony H. Futerman, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Joseph Meyerhoff Professor of Biochemistry

Haim Garty, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Hella and Derrick Kleeman Professor of Biochemistry

Steven J.D Karlish, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe William D. Smithburg Professor of Biochemistry

Ephraim Katchalski-Katzir, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelInstitute Professor The Theodore R. Racoosin Professor of Biophysics

Zvi Livneh, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Maxwell Ellis Professor of Biomedical Research

David Mirelman, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel (on extension of service) The Besen-Brender Professor of Microbiology and Parasitology

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/scientist/Eisenbach/home.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Livneh


Yechiel Shai, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Harold S. and Harriet B. Brady Professor of Cancer Rrsearch

David Wallach, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Professors Emeriti

S. Roy Caplan, Ph.D., University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaDavid Danon, Ph.D., University of Geneva, Geneva, SwitzerlandCarlos Gitler, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison, United StatesZippora Gromet-Elhanan, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelOra Kedem, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelShmuel Malkin, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelIsrael R. Miller, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelNathan Sharon, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelMeir Wilchek, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelAda Zamir, Ph.D., Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

Associate Professors

Ed Bayer, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelEitan Bibi, Ph.D., Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem,

Israel Rivka Dikstein, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelZvulun Elazar, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelMichael Fainzilber, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Incumbent of the Daniel E. Koshland Sr. Career Development Chair (until November 2005)

Uri Pick, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Charles and Louise Gartner Professor

Ziv Reich, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIncumbent of the Abraham and Jennie Fialkow Career Development Chair (until November 2005)

Eitan Reuveny, Ph.D., Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, United StatesGideon Schreiber, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelYoram Shechter, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

The Charles H. Hollenberg Professor of Diabetes and Metabolic Research Michael Walker, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

The Marvin Myer and Jenny Cyker Professor of Diabetes Research

Senior Scientist

Dan Tawfik, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIncumbent of the Elaine Blond Career Development Chair

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/caplanhome.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/scientist/Malkin/shmuel_malkin.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biology/open_day/book/eitan_bibi.pdfhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/scientist/Fainzilber/Fainzilber.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/Reuvenyhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/scientist/Tawfik/Welcome_Page.html


Senior Staff Scientists

Rivka Adar, Ph.D., Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, IsraelCarol Asher, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelRina Barak, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelTalia Miron, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelDaniel M. Tal, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

Associate Staff Scientist

Elena Bochkareva, Ph.D., Institute of Protein Research, Academy of the USSR, Pushchino, Russian Federation

Assistant Staff Scientists

Elena Appel, Ph.D., Medical School, Novosibirsk, Russian FederationTamar Paz-Elizur, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelYael Pewzner-Jung, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelAda Viterbo-Fainzilber, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Junior Staff Scientists

Swetlana Adamsky, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelYoav Barak, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelRuti Kapon, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Special Contract

Asael Herman, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (left May 2005)

Consultants

Diana BachAmir Braunstein, ImmunoBar Ltd., Tel-Aviv, IsraelDean E. Brenner, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI., USADov Gefel, Barzilai Hospital, Ashkelon, IsraelAlexander Heifetz, Predix Pharmacenticals Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel (left April 2005)Ron Kasher, Faculty of Agriculture, Solid and Wather Sciences, IsraelHalina LisRuth Miskin

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/~bctal


Visiting Scientists

Moshe BalassNicholas Harper, University of Leicester, UKRose Johnstone, McGill University , Montreal, CanadaRoni Kasher, Hebrew University , Rehovot, IsraelHaichun Pan, Shandong University, PR ChinaJiangke Yang, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, PR ChinaLaiqun Zhang, Beijing Normal University, PR China

Postdoctoral Fellows

Noga Alagem, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGil Amitai, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelXiaohui An, Ph.D., Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, ChinaGali Arad, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelFabian Arditti, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelKatya Arnold, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelAdam Ben-Shem, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelYakov Blumenstein, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelYariv Brotman, Ph.D., Bar-Ilan University, IsraelEytan Cohen, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelShay Covo, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelMirit Dahan-Fumbar, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelYael Fridmann-Sirkis, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelMoshe Goldsmith, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelTanya Goncharov, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelKay Gottschalk, Ph.D., Technical University of Munich, GermanyStephen Gould, Ph.D., University of Nottingham, United KingdomElena Grimberg, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelShlomit Hanz, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelElena Iavnilovitch, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelHanna Jaaro, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelMarina Jmoudiak, M.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelTae Bong Kang, Ph.D., Konkuk University, KoreaIrene Kholmyansky, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelJonathan Eric Kohn, Ph.D., University of California Santa BarbaraAndrey Kovalenko, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelOded Lewinson, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelYan Li, Ph.D., Shandong Agricultural University, ChinaAdi Mesika, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelIzhak Michaelevski, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelDavid Nakar, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelReinat Nevo, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelRony Oren Benaroya, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

http://bioinfo2.weizmann.ac.il/~amitai/home


Sergio Peisajovich, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelTal Peleg - Shulmam, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelEran Perlson, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelParameswaran Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelMerav Revach, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelAvi Rimler, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelAyala Saul, Ph.D., Bar-Ilan University, IsraelZiv Sevilya, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelHagit Shapiro, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelMichal Shoresh, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelNobuhiko Tokuriki, Ph.D., Osaka University, JapanWangxia Wang, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelJianshe Yan, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelLaiqun Zhang, Ph.D., China agriculture University, China

Research Students

Sheera Adar Nira AmarLiat Amir-Zilberstein Michael AnbarGali Arad Sharon AvkinDorit Avrahami Liat BahariAnat Bahat Reut BartoovRoy Bekerman Talya BelogusKeren Ben Yaakov Tehila Ben-MosheEfrat Ben-Zeev Shimon BershteinYonathan Caspi Silvia G. ChuartzmanEytan Cohen Mati CohenGalit Cohen-Ben-Lulu Shay CovoNoam Diamant Elizabeta DinitzYudin Dmitry Asa EitanRofa Elfakess Ephraim FassDan Frumkin Maria Gabriella FuzesiAnna Gakamsky Leonid GaydukovKfir Gazit Doron GerberBinyamin Gil Lyubov (Luba) GinzburgMichal Golan-Mashiach Tanya GoncharovShlomit Hanz Liraz HarelHaim Haviv Ayal HendelShachar Iwanir Lior IzharDiego Jaitin Jin-Hyuk JungJaakov Kacher Eyal KalieShai Kaplan Alon KarpolOlga Khersonsky Jin Chul Kim

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/mathusers/lbn/new_pages/new_pages/group_member/benny.html


Noga Dalia Kowalsman Noga Kozer G.Sujoy Lahiri Premkumar LakshmananeAnat Lavi Itzkovitz Elena LevinOded Lewinson Orna LiarziYael Lifshitz Moshit LindzenIrina Lubarski Arik Arie MakovitzkiElinor Malul Adi MesikaBracha Naim Ilit NoachNiv Papo Yakov PazAvishay Pelah Eran PerlsonOfer Rahat Akhil RajputParameswaran Ramakrishnan Ophir Rav-HonAdi Raveh Dana ReichmannMerav Revach Gabriela RidnerInbal Riven Peter RohacLaila Catalina Roisman Cintia RoodveldtKelly SackettR ona Sadja GertnerNeta Sal-Man Ruth Scherz-ShovalYael Segal-Ruder Hagit ShapiroSaroj Shekhawat Hagai ShorerElena Shvets Nadejda SigalIndranil Sinha Selena Trajkovic-BodennecTal Varsano Roberto VentrellaAdam Wasserstrom Hilla WeidbergNomy Wender Yael Wexler- CohenItamar Yadid Jianshe YanGanit Yarden Ido Yosef

Administrator

Maanit Zibziner

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/~joelhttp://bioinfo.weizmann.ac.il/~danaghttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/home/robertohttp://www.wisdom.weizmann.ac.il/~adamw

Molecular Genetics

Adi Kimchi, HeadThe Helena Rubinstein Chair in Cancer Research

The Department of Molecular Genetics focuses on molecular and genetic mechanismsunderlying basic biological processes occurring either in the context of the entire organism orat the level of single cells. A wide range of biological problems are being addressed in thefields of development, cell biology, and human/mouse genetics, and on the structure,expression, stability and function of proteins. Additionally, the fields of bioinformatics andcomputational biology, which are being developed in the department, provide powerfulgenome wide approaches to address some of these biological issues.

The lab of Benny Shilo continued to focus on EGF receptor signaling in Drosophila. Anintricate machinery for processing the activating ligands was uncovered. Interestingly, theamount of ligand that is secreted can be regulated by altering the intracellular compartment inwhich processing takes place. Once the ligand is secreted, distinct threshold responses areestablished. In a combination of experimental and computational work, a novel mechanism forcreating such response thresholds was identified. In a different research avenue, novel insightsinto the mechanism of cell fusion during muscle development, and the involvement of themicrofilament system in the process were uncovered. Talila Volk's lab focuses on mechanismscontrolling tissue formation and organogenesis, during embryonic development of Drosophila.In the past year they have discovered that a splicing-dependent mechanism is a critical step inthe induction of terminal differentiation of tendon and glial cells, and that this step is mediatedby the RNA-binding protein HOW in both cell types. The molecular basis for this process iscurrently being analyzed. In addition, their research is directed to identify factors controllingmuscles migration and adhesion towards tendon cells. In this direction they discovered that theextra cellular matrix protein Thrombospondin is essential for the specific adhesion of muscleswith their corresponding tendon cell.

Mouse model systems are being approached for studying embryonic development and geneticdiseases. Elazar Zelzer studies genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate bonedevelopment. Their previous finding that VEGF is required for angiogenesis into developingbones, initiated their interest in this gene. By analyzing the effect of loss of VEGF function indifferent tissues involved in bone development, they have identified several unpredicted novelroles of VEGF during bone development. First, VEGF regulates early chondrogenesis duringlimb bud development. It also regulates chondrocytes survival. Finally, it stimulates boneformation by increasing the activity of osteoblasts, both in intramembr anous andendochondral bones. By studying the expression patterns of VEGF they have identified adynamic expression in skeletal tissues, consistent with its roles during several steps of bone

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16 Molecular Genetics

development. Thus, the VEGF study has become a portal to greater understanding of skeletaldevelopment. Developmental aspects in the mammalian brain are being studied by OrlyReiner’s lab. One typical feature of the mammalian brain is that neurons are born in a regionwhich is different from their final position. Their group is researching normal and abnormalprocesses of neuronal migration using a combination of mouse genetics, in uteroelectroporation, biochemistry, and cell biology methods. In particular they are involved indissecting the role of lissencephaly-associated gene products (LIS1 and doublecortin, DCX).Their research has indicated to their importance in mediating signaling pathways, andregulating the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton during neuronal migration. Yoram Gronerresearch focuses on disease conditions in which genetic predisposition of individualchromosome 21 genes play role. That is, how an extra copy of otherwise normal genesproduces pathophysiological conditions in humans particularly in patients with Downsyndrome. Gene-Knockout mice of individual genes are used to investigate the consequencesof functional inactivation of candidate genes. Currently much of the studies focused on thebiology of the transcription factors Runx1 and Runx3 that are master regulators of linagespecific gene expression in developmental pathways using in vitro transfected cells and in vivogenetically modified mouse models.

Basic cellular processes are being approached from the molecular angle, both in mammaliancells and in yeasts by several groups. The lab of Jeff Gerst focuses on how cells establish andmaintain polarity in order for directed growth and cell division to occur. They are using theyeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a model system for the study of these processes ineukaryotic cells and have three major projects. The first examines the role of signalingpathways in the control of exocytosis at the level of membrane fusion and studies the role ofkinases and phosphatases in regulation of the exocytic apparatus. The second focuses on therole of SNARE-binding proteins in endosomal protein sorting and the onset of human diseasesinvolving defects in lysosomal storage. The third examines the role of mRNA trafficking inpolarity establishment and secretion. Programmed cell death, is another fundamental processin cell biology which is being studied in the lab of Adi Kimchi, by proceeding from ‘singlegene’ study towards global network analysis in mammalian cell systems. During the last year,the lab extended the study of the individual pro-death DAP proteins by identifying interactingproteins, specific substrates and upstream regulators, as part of the efforts to construct thenetwork topology around these genetically selected genes and to understand their cellularfunction. The DAP-kinase Knockout mice which were analyzed for their in vivo stressresponses established a role for this gene in ER stress where it functions as a switch in theapoptotic/autophagic cell death junction. The group has recently developed a newmethodology that assesses the dynamics of cell death networks by measuring the functionalweight of individual nodes, via single and double silencing perturbations, using RNAinterference. The lab of Ari Elson studies the roles of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) inregulating physiological processes. Their goals are to uncover detailed molecular-levelmechanisms, by which specific phosphatases affect discrete physiological outcomes bydephosphorylating specific substrates. Their current studies focus on PTP Epsilon; they areusing molecular, cellular, and whole-animal systems to uncover the role of this PTP inregulating malignant transformation, myelination, and bone metabolism.

Molecular Genetics 17

Cytokine signaling is an additional studied theme. The lab of Leo Sachs continues their workon the cytokine mediated control of multiplication, differentiation and apoptosis ofhematopoietic cells. In a recent study they showed that human cancers overexpress genes thatare specific to a variety of normal human tissues. Michel Revel's group studies thedifferentiation of the cells producing the myelin sheaths around nerves, with the aim ofdeveloping ways to stimulate the regeneration of myelin in neurological diseases such asneuropathies and Multiple Sclerosis. A transcription factor, Zinc binding factor ZBP99, wasshown to be required for the expression of the Myelin protein zero (MPZ) gene in Schwanncells, and IL6RIL6 (a recombinant cytokine resulting from the fusion of IL-6 to its solublereceptor) stimulates the binding of ZBP99 to the MPZ promoter chromatin thereby enhancingmyelin synthesis. The differentiation of Embryonic Stems (ES) cells into matureoligodendrocytes with an extended network of branches was similarly shown to be stimulatedby IL6RIL6. The lab of Menachem Rubinstein studies the role of several transcriptionfactors in growth, differentiation, cell death and immune responses. In the past, they identifieda heterodimeric complex of the transcription factors C/EBP- and IRF-1 as a mediator ofinterferon-gamma immunomodulatory activities. Currently, the group studies the variousfunctions of the C/EBP family of transcription factor s. In particular, the role of C/EBP- intumor cell survival and pre-adipocyte differentiation. The group also studies the role ofanother family member – CHOP-10 in adipocyte cell death. Another research topic deals withregulation of IFN- gene expression, trying to resolve the enigma of multi-gene family whoseproducts have a practically identical function. Also, they continue the attempts to identifyreceptors of bereaved cytokines (the counterparts of orphan receptors).

Work by the lab of Chaim Kahana dissects the regulation of intracellular polyamines.Antizyme inhibitor (AzI), a protein that displays high homology to ornithine decarboxylase(ODC) but which retains no enzymatic activity is extensively investigated. This investigationis conducted in two directions; the first aiming at exploring the molecular mechanismresponsible for its rapid degradation (in comparison to the degradation of ODC), the secondconcerns the growth advantage this protein provides to cells. Another aspect of investigation isthe revelation of the polyamine transport system. This aspect is investigated in yeast andrecently also in mammalian cells. The last aspect concernes the possible involvement of 20Sproteasomes in mediating ubiquitin independent cellular degradation. Work by the lab ofYosef Shaul focuses on the basic cellular processes of transcription, protein stability andDNA-damage signaling. These processes are investigated also with respect to understandingthe molecular basis of virus-host cell interactions. They have recently described a novelpathway of protein degradation that is active in parallel to the conventional ubiquitin system.This pathway which does not require protein modification is executed by the 20S proteasomesand inhibited by NQO1, an NADH regulated enzyme that plays a role of 20S proteasomegatekeeper.

In the lab of Doron Lancet, whole-genome analyses and comparative genomics are used todecipher the evolution of olfactory receptors, the largest gene superfamily in the humangenome. Genetic variation is studied as a tool for understanding multigenic diseases such asschizophrenia, as well as personal variations in the sense of smell. This is aided by advancedinstrumentation for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by robotized massspectrometry. Further developments of GeneCards, a widely used compendium of human

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genes allow one (among others) to better analyses microarray expression data. In the realm ofSystems Biology, prebiotic molecular networks are studied as a means for understanding theemergence of life on earth. The lab of Shmuel Pietrokovski studies the relations betweenprotein sequence, structure and function. They pursue this goal by computational andexperimental approaches. Computationally they develop methods to compare conservedprotein sequence motifs, and to analyze protein structures. Intein protein-splicing domains andrelated domains are studied integratively by experimental and computational methods. Theyare exa mining the evolution, biochemical activity and cellular function of these ancientdomains that are involved in various post-translational modifications in animals and microbes.

In the lab of Naama Barkai they are trying to deduce design principles of biological networks.The two main research programs include bioinformatics studies of large-scale data andmodeling of relatively isolated subsystems. They recently extended their bioinformatics effortfor comparative analysis of genome-wide transcription data between organisms, focusing onrelated yeast species. They classified in great details inter-species differences in geneexpression pattern, and tried to identify the underlying genetic basis for these changes. Inparticular, they identified a major re-wiring of the yeast transcription network, which isconnected to the emergent of anaerobic growth capacity and characterized a connectionbetween TATA-based regulation and evolvability of gene expression. The modeling studiesfocused on two system: the spindle assembly checkpoint and gradient detection during yeastmating. In both systems they characterized biological constraints that the respective systemneed to overcome thus limiting the possible designs of the underlying biological networks. Inthe lab of Tzachi Pilpel they continued their research on various mechanisms and processesrelated to gene expression regulation. They studied experimentally the noise spectrum inprotein expression of dozens yeast genes in multiple growth conditions and discovered thatstress-related genes display particularly "noisy" expression whereby the same genes indifferent genetically identical cells in a population may be expressed to various differentdegrees. Their studies on mammalian anti-sense control has culminated in experimentalverification of their initial predictions about the involvement of such non-coding RNAs in thep53-mdm2 switch. In parallel they began to explore translation regulatory signals in openreading frame sequences and found extensive regulatory signals that are modulated in differentorthologous genes in various yeast species in a way that likely explains differences in theirmetabolic preferences. They continued their work on genetic backup circuits and discoveredthat hubs in the protein network tend to have a backup protection more frequently than lowlyconnected proteins.

Altogether the department combines structural genomic approaches with functional "post-genomic" studies. Moreover, the work with multiple model organisms (i.e., yeast, fly, mouseand human) removes the species barrier and offers the opportunity to study a single biologicalprocess in several systems, thus benefiting from the various genetic and molecular tools thateach system provides.

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/


Research Staff, Visitors and Students

Professors

Yoram Groner, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel (on extension of service) The Dr. Barnet Berris Professor of Cancer Research

Adi Kimchi, Ph.D., Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, IsraelThe Helena Rubinstein Professor in Cancer Research

Doron Lancet, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Ralph D. and Lois R. Silver Professor of Human Genomics

Michel Revel, Ph.D., University of Strasbourg, France (on extension of service)The Ruth and Jerome A. Siegel and Freda and Edward M. Siegel Professor of Virology

Menachem Rubinstein, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Edna and Mickey Weiss Professor of Cytokines Research

Leo Sachs, Ph.D., University of Cabmridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (on extension of service) The Otto Meyerhof Professor of Molecular Biology

Yosef Shaul, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Oscar and Emma Getz Professor

Ben-Zion Shilo, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelThe Hilda and Cecil Lewis Professor of Molecular Genetics

Professors Emeriti

Alvin M. Kaye, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, United States (deceased October 2005)

Ernest Winocour, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Associate Professors

Naama Barkai, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelIncumbent of the Soretta and Henry Shapiro Career Development Chair (until November 2005)

Ari Elson, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelJeffrey Gerst, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelChaim Kahana, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

The Jules J. Mallon Professor of Biochemistry Shmuel Pietrokovski, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

Incumbent of the Philip Harris and Gerald Ronson Career Development Chair (until November 2005)

Orly Reiner, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Bernstein-Mason Professor of Neurochemistry

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/groner.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/kimchi.htmlhttp://bioinfo.weizmann.ac.il/genome_center/doron_lancet.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/scientists/rubinstein.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/sachs.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/shaul.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/shilo.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/kaye.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/scientists/elson.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/gerst.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/kahana.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/reiner.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/naama.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/pietrokovski.html


Rabi Simantov, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Andre Lwoff Professor of Neurogenetics

Talila Volk, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelThe Professor Sir Ernest B. Chain Professor

Senior Scientists

Yitzhak Pilpel, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelCenter for Complexity Science FellowshipIncumbent of the Aser Rothstein Career Development Chair of Genetic Diseases

Elazar Zelzer, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelIncumbent of the Martha S. Sagon Career Development Chair

Senior Staff Scientists

Judith Chebath, Ph.D., University of Marseilles, FranceDitsa Levanon, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelDaniela Novick, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelEyal Schejter, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

Associate Staff Scientist

Edna Ben-Asher, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

Assistant Staff Scientists

Elena Ainbinder, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelStella Aronov, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelNili Avidan, Ph.D., Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, United States (left July 2005)Shani Bialik, Ph.D., Division of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, United StatesDevrim Gozuacik, Ph.D., Universite de Paris-Sud XI, Paris, FranceTsviya Olender, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelTamar Sapir, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelLiora Strichman-Almashanu, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United

States

Junior Staff Scientists

Levana Ben-Simchon, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel (left March 2005)

Sven Bergmann, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel (left April 2005)Merav Yarmus, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel (left December

2005)

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/simantov.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/volk.htmlhttp://longitude.weizmann.ac.il/http://www.weizmann.ac.il/home/ftsven


Engineer

Joseph Lotem, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

Consultants

Avshalom Elitzur, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, IsraelRuth Gross-Isseroff, Geha Hospital, Petach Tikva, IsraelDavid Horn, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, IsraelTsippora Iny SteinRon Shamir, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, IsraelMichael Shmoish, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, IsraelOrit Shmueli, The Agricultural Research Organization of Israel, Bet DaganDavidi Shoseyov, Hadassa Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel (left September 2005)Clara SingerDalia Somjen, Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel (left August 2005)

Visiting Scientists

David Israeli, Sheba Medical Ctr., Tel Hashomer, IsraelJason Levy, University of Ottawa, CanadaDavid Shafritz, A. Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA

Postdoctoral Fellows

Julia Adler, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelBen Alkahe, Ph.D.,M.D., Ben-Gurion University, IsraelStella Aronov, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGad Asher, Ph.D.,M.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelElise Balse, Ph.D., Louis Pasteur UniversityYonatan Bilu, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelDavid Bonfil, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelArik Cooper, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelFrederic Coquelle, Ph.D., Paris-Sud University, FranceGilgi Friedlander-Malik, Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGabriel Gerlitz, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelDan Gottlieb, M.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelDan Gottlieb, M.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelDevrim Gozuacik, Ph.D., Paris XI University, FranceTzvika Hartman, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelVladimir Hurgin, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelJan Hendrik Ihmels, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelDavid Israeli, M.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelJoy Kahn, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/chemphys/elitzur/


Alon Levy, Ph.D.,M.D., Agriculture Faculty, IsraelGustavo Javier Melen, Ph.D., University of Buenos Aires, ArgentinaZohar Mukamel, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelAvital Regev, Ph.D., Tel-Aviv University, IsraelNina Reuven, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelTamar Sapir, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGalit Shohat, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelShalom Guy Slutsky, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelLiora Strichman-Almashanu, Ph.D., The Johns Hopkins University, USAHila Toledano-Katchalski, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGloria Volohonsky, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelAdina Weinberger, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelSarit Weissmann, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelAriel Werman, M.D., Ben-Gurion University, IsraelMerav Yarmus, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Research Students

Daniela Bettina Amann Roy AmariglioGad Asher Efrat Assa-KunikDaniela Bar-El Omri BauerDalia Berman-Golan Antonio De Padua Castillo FloresRon Chen Dorit CohenArik Cooper Bareket DassaZohar Dor Mukamel Avital EisenbergAvigdor Eldar Idit Eshkar- OrenOfer Fainaru Ester FeldmesserMilana Frenkel-Morgenstern Gilgi FriedlanderGalina Gabriely Tali GarinAmos Gdalyahu Rita Gelin-LichtIndraneel Ghosh Eliezer GilsohnRoni Golan - Lavi Shira Granot - AttasYaron Gruper Liora HaimShay Hantisteanu Yehudit HasinVladimir Hurgin Jan Hendrik IhmelsMichal Izrael Daphna Joseph-StraussRon Kafri Amnon KorenJudith Kraut Michal LapidotDan Levy Sagi LevyIdit Livnat Yoav LubelskyLea Marash Jada (R'ada) MassarwaOfir Meir Idan MenasheAmir Mitchell Amir Mitchell

http://bioinfo2.weizmann.ac.il/~bareket/http://longitude.weizmann.ac.il/~kafri/http://barkai-serv.weizmann.ac.il/GroupPage/amnon.htmhttp://longitude.weizmann.ac.il/~lapidotm/http://bioinformatics.weizmann.ac.il/~menashe/http://longitude.weizmann.ac.il/amir/


Helit Nabel-Rozen Alona NeimarkRonit Nir Ziv PoratSharon Reef Eran ReemAdriana Reuveny Micah RobinsonShany Ron Dalia Rosin-GrunewaldSivan Sapoznik Ofer SarigAyelet Schlesinger Uri ShaharTamar Shapira-Cohen Barak ShenhavAmir Shlomai Anat ShmueliGalit Shohat Yishay ShovalTal Sines Einat SitbonZohar Snapir Arul SubramanianZohar Tiran Itay TiroshRachel Tsruya Peter TsvetkovGloria Volohonsky Bess WayburnEilon Woolf Liat Yakir-TamangShaul Yogev Einat ZalckvarPei Lin Zhang Gadi Zipor

Administrator

Lea Marom

Plant Sciences

Gad Galili, HeadThe Bronfman Professor of Plant Science

Understanding how plants grow and react to the environment are central to our long-lastingendeavor to appreciate basic mechanisms that drive biological processes as well as to devisinga rational approach to secure more food, and food of better quality. This is important as plantsoffer the world the main renewable resource of foods, building material and energy. Plants asmulticellular organisms have developed highly sophisticated short and long-term adaptivemechanisms to the changing environment as a result of the simple fact that they cannot altertheir location during environmental change. Thus, the research activities in the Department ofPlant Sciences are centered around plant biology and its relation to the environment. Ourmodel systems study the function and regulation of isolated genes and their interactivebehavior in the context of the whole plant. To accomplish this we have developed extensive in-house genetic, genomic, bioinformatic, metabolomic and transgenic infrastructures that enableus to isolate novel genes by gene trapping, knockout or map-based cloning. With the help ofbioinformatic analysis and our ability to transform whole plants, cloned genes are studied andmanipulated in the context of the whole organism.

The recent discoveries of the DNA squences of the whole human genome as well as thegenomes of few plant species revealed quite extensive similarity in many genes between thesetwo organisms. This discovery supported earlier studies, showing extensive conservation of anumber of processes operating in the cells of both organisms. This conservation has alsoopened a new avenue to utilize plants and plant research in the battle against human diseases.Research activities in our department are directed into utilizing plants to improve humanhealth. The similarity between plants and human cells allow plant cells to serve as efficientcost-effective bioreactors for production of modern therapeutic drugs and vaccines to fighthuman diseases, and extensive research activities in our department are devoted to theseprocesses. In addition, the unique ability of plants to harness the energy of light and transduceits energy to biologically useful forms is used in our department to develop novel methods,which use plant macromolecules in combination with light-mediated treatments to eradicatetumors in the human body.

Avigdor Scherz’s group studies the role of proteins in regulating this mechanism. Usingspectroscopy and theoretical calculations of metal substituted bacteriochlorophylls he followsand investigates charge flow between atoms, groups and whole molecules. These studiesprovide insight to mechanisms that underlay chemical reactivity in biological and non-

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26 Plant Sciences

biological systems. Other metal susbtituted Bchl that have been recently synthesized by Scherzare used for vascular targeting photodynamic therapy of tumors and other diseases. The first oftheses novel compound is now in phase II clinical trials against prostate cancer. Studies ofquantitative structure activity relationships of the modified Bchls is in progress.

Marvin Edelman: In collaboration with Vladimir Sobolev, a structural bioinformaticsapproach is being developed for molecular recognition. Contact surface area and chemicalproperties of atoms are employed to predict amino acid side chain conformations on a proteinbackbone and the core residues involved in metal ligation and protein - protein complexformation. In collaboration with Autar Mattoo (Beltsville, USA), the regulation ofphotosynthetic protein complexes is studied using transgenic Spirodela to analyzephotophosphorylation of chloroplast membrane proteins. Marvin Edelman’s group hassuccessfully induced a tissue culture cycle (callus formation and plant regeneration) inSpirodela and developed an efficient transformation system that can deliver recombinant genesencoding pharmaceutical proteins into this plant in the fight against human disease. Incollaboration with LemnaGene SA (Lyon, France), the Spirodela transformation system isbeing developed into an environmentally safe and secure monocot biotechnology platform forproduction of such pharmaceuticals.

Asaph Aharoni's group investigates regulatory networks controlling the biosynthesis ofsecondary metabolites in the course of plant development and under stress conditions. Newanalytical and computational tools are currently being developed that allow extensivemetabolic profiling of complex plant extracts and the integration of metabolic data withinformation derived from other levels of regulation such as the transcriptome. Apart from toolsfor metabolite detection, a large population of mutant tomato plants is generated in order tolink a metabolic phenotype to genotypes in metabolic pathways of interest. One of the firsttargets of Asaph Aharoni's lab is to identify the regulatory genes compiling the networks co-ordinating activity of metabolic pathways (in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites) andfruit growth during tomato ripening. A second major activity in the lab is to decipher theregulatory networks that link primary (e.g. metabolism of amino acids) and secondarymetabolism in the model plant Arabidopsis. A third major topic is associated with theformation of the plant surface, i.e. the cuticular layer that mediates the plants interaction withenvironment. Regulation of cuticle metabolism is investigated in vegetative tissues inArabidopsis and tomato fruit exocarp tissue (i.e. peel). By performing the above mentionedstudies, key genetic factors controlling metabolic pathways and co-ordinating their activitywith plant development and stress response will be identified and characterized. Moreover, theknowledge acquired could assist in the production of plants with desired levels of healthpromoting compounds (as for example increased antioxidant activity) by means of classicalbreeding and/or genetic engineering.

Avihai Danon studies the regulation of gene expression by redox signals. In particular, he isinvestigating post-transcriptional regulation in the adaptation of plants to changingenvironments. Redox reactions of two proteins involve the transfer of electron(s) from oneprotein (the donor) to the other (the acceptor). His work implies that similarly to computers,the transfer of electrons from the donor to the acceptor can be used in biology as a flow ofinformation. In plants, the redox signaling proteins participate in protection mechanisms

Plant Sciences 27

against the accumulation of free radicals, and regulation of protein synthesis. Danon has foundthat regulatory proteins of the thioredoxin family exchange electrons along specific pathwaysin the soluble compartments of the cell. His studies suggest that in contrast to computer, theflow of electronic information in biology can take place also in solution by means of non-insulated routes. A moss (Physcomitrella patens) and an alga (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii)are being developed as efficient bioreactors for therapeutic proteins. Danon’s group has foundP. patens to express high levels of recombinant proteins and has isolated a number of targetingsignals that enable an engineered routing of the recombinant proteins to specific intracellularcompartments, thereby facilitating tight control of posttranslational modifications andmaximizing protein extraction from the producing plants.

The features that distinguish plants from animals are not limited to photosynthesis. Plants aresessile, have rigid cell walls and have no fixed germ line. This means that their developmentdiffers radically from that found in animals.

Gideon Grafi's group showed that cellular de-differentiation has ramifications in chromatinstructure. Dedifferentiation was accompanied by reorganization of specific chromosomaldomain, modifications of histone H3 and redistribution of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1).Retinoblastoma protein was found to regulate the formation of heterochromatin sub domains,at least partly, via interaction with HP1.

Yuval Eshed: To understand how variation between plants occurs through evolutionaryprocesses, Yuval Eshed’s group study the mechanisms that shape plant organs of severalunrelated species. All plants lateral organs such as leaves and floral organs are formed at theflanks of unique groups of organized cells called meristems. Organ formation is highlyregulated in time and space partly through communication between the meristem and thealready formed organs. Research in Yuval Eshed's lab focuses on the nature of suchcommunication. Two types of communication are the focus of Yuval’s group. Thejuxtaposition of the upper and lower sides of leaves result in signaling inducing theirexpansion. And, the resulting asymmetric leaf signals back to the meristem to determine theposition and timing of new leaf formation. Both types of signaling involve interactionsbetween transcription regulators and micro RNAs that counteract their activities. Minormodifications in these relations account for some of the differences between the smallArabidopsis and large tomato leaves. Through the study of plant development, several newtools were developed that can be used in a wide array of applications. Methods to down or upregulate multiple genes in specific time and place should allow precise manipulations ofendogenous or introduced traits without side effects associated with constitutive expression.

Jonathan Gressel (Emeritus): Transgenic crops as well as transgenic biocontrol agents arebeginning to play an important part in the protection of plants from insect, disease, and weedproblems. Jonathan Gressel’s group has recently demonstrated that engineeringhypervirulence genes into biocontrol agents enhances their effectiveness in controlling weeds,and they are now stacking such genes to ascertain whether there is synergy. Often the crops orthe biocontrol agents are closely related to weeds or to pathogens of crops (respectively), andthere is a likelihood of transfer of genetic material to these relatives. He and his colleagueshave been developing the framework for assessing the risks that this will happen on a case by

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case basis. More importantly, they are studying ways to use genetic engineering, to detect andprevent the transfer or to mitigate the effects of such transfer, when it occurs, as well as to bio-barcode transgenic organ

scientific activities - weizmann institute of science · 2009. 4. 7. · edited, designed and...

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