Table of Contents · The Board of Governors Mandy Moross, London, UK, Chair of the Board Lester Crown, Chicago, IL, USA, Deputy Chair of the Board Robert J. Drake*, Wassenaar, The

Table of ContentsThe Board of Governors..........................................................................................................1

The Scientific and Academic Advisory Committee...............................................................9

Institute Officers.....................................................................................................................11

The Weizmann Institute of Science.......................................................................................15

Faculty of Biochemistry.........................................................................................................17Faculty of Biochemistry...............................................................................................18Biological Chemistry....................................................................................................20Molecular Genetics.......................................................................................................30Plant Sciences...............................................................................................................39Biological Services.......................................................................................................47The Avron−Wilstätter Minerva Center for Research in Photosynthesis......................50The Y. Leon Benoziyo Institute for Molecular Medicine............................................52The Dr. Josef Cohn Minerva Center for Biomembrane Research................................54The Crown Human Genome Center.............................................................................56The Mel Dobrin Center for Nutrition...........................................................................59The Leo and Julia Forchheimer Center for Molecular Genetics..................................60The Kekst Family Center for Medical Genetics...........................................................61The Charles W. and Tillie K. Lubin Center for Plant Biotechnology..........................62The M.D. Moross Institute for Cancer Research..........................................................63 The David and Fela Shapell Family Center for Genetic Disorders Research.............65The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Center for Plant Molecular Genetics Research....66

Faculty of Biology...................................................................................................................69Faculty of Biology........................................................................................................70Biological Regulation...................................................................................................72Immunology.................................................................................................................81Molecular Cell Biology................................................................................................89Neurobiology................................................................................................................98Veterinary Resources..................................................................................................104The Norman and Helen Asher Center for Brain Imaging..........................................106The Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for Neurological Diseases..............................107The Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for Neurosciences..........................................109The Carl and Micaela Einhorn−Dominic Center for Brain Research........................110The Murray H. and Meyer Grodetsky Center for Research of Higher Brain Functions...................................................................................................................111The Helen and Martin Kimmel Institute for Stem Cell Research..............................112The Kirk Center for Childhood Cancer and Immunological Disorders.....................113The Belle S. and Irving E. Meller Center for the Biology of Aging..........................114The Gabrielle Rich Center for Transplantation Biology Research.............................115The Willner Family Center for Vascular Biology......................................................117

Table of ContentsFaculty of Biology

The Women's Health Research Center.......................................................................119The Yad Abraham Research Center for Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy................120

Faculty of Chemistry............................................................................................................123Faculty of Chemistry..................................................................................................124Chemical Physics........................................................................................................128Environmental Sciences and Energy Research..........................................................133Materials and Interfaces..............................................................................................138Organic Chemistry......................................................................................................143Structural Biology......................................................................................................149Solar Research Facilities Unit....................................................................................154Chemical Research Support........................................................................................156The Center for Energy Research................................................................................170The Fritz Haber Center for Physical Chemistry.........................................................172The Ilse Katz Institute for Material Sciences and Magnetic Resonance Research....174The Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for Archaeological Sciences.........................175The Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for Molecular Design....................................177The Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for Nanoscale Science..................................178The Helen and Milton A.Kimmelman Center for Biomolecular Structure and Assembly...................................................................................................................179The Joseph and Ceil Mazer Center for Structural Biology........................................180The Gerhard M.J. Schmidt Minerva Center for Supramolecular Architecture..........181The Sussman Family Center for the Study of Environmental Sciences.....................183Additional Institutes that have contributed to Scientific Advancement.....................185

Faculty of Physics.................................................................................................................187Faculty of Physics.......................................................................................................188Condensed Matter Physics..........................................................................................189Particle Physics...........................................................................................................196Physics of Complex Systems......................................................................................204Physics Services.........................................................................................................211The Benoziyo Center for Astrophysics......................................................................213Center for Experimental Physics................................................................................214The Nella and Leon Benoziyo Center for High Energy Physics................................215The Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Center for Submicron Research..........................217The Albert Einstein Minerva Center for Theoretical Physics....................................220The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger Center for Nanophysics.............................222The Minerva Center for Nonlinear Physics of Complex Systems..............................223

Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science................................................................229Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science.........................................................230Computer Science and Applied Mathematics............................................................231Mathematics................................................................................................................239

Table of ContentsFaculty of Mathematics and Computer Science

The Arthur and Rochelle Belfer Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science....246The Ida Kohen Center for Mathematics.....................................................................247The John von Neumann Minerva Center for the Development of Reactive Systems......................................................................................................................248The Prospective Institute for Biomatics.....................................................................249

Feinberg Graduate School...................................................................................................251Feinberg Graduate School..........................................................................................252Science Teaching........................................................................................................316Young@Science.........................................................................................................327The Aharon Katzir−Katchalsky Center......................................................................331

Institute−Wide Centers........................................................................................................337The Clore Center for Biological Physics....................................................................338The Dolfi and Lola Ebner Center for Biomedical Research......................................340The J &R Center for Scientific Research...................................................................341The Kahn Family Research Center for Systems Biology of the Human Cell............342The Health and Sciences Center.................................................................................344The Center for New Scientists....................................................................................345The Jeanne and Joseph Nissim Foundation for Life Sciences Research....................346The Center for Scientific Excellence..........................................................................347

Directorate for Research and Academic Affairs...............................................................349Directorate for Research and Academic Affairs.........................................................350Academic Affairs Office............................................................................................351

Appointments and Promotions.............................................................................352Awards and Honors..............................................................................................354Honorary degrees and Awards bestowed by the Institute....................................358Summer Science Program for Students................................................................367Visiting Professors Program.................................................................................369Weizmann Memorial Lectures.............................................................................370Weizmann Professorial Chairs, CDC's and Fellowships......................................372

Research Grants and Projects Office..........................................................................389Visiting Scientists Office............................................................................................390

Division of Information Systems.........................................................................................393

Division of Logistics and Research Services.......................................................................407

The Amos de−Shalit Foundation.........................................................................................413

Table of ContentsThe Davidson Institute for Science Education...................................................................415

Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd...............................................................425

Weizmann Institute Activities on the Internet...................................................................427

The Board of Governors

Mandy Moross*, London, UK, Chair of the BoardLester 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 BoardProf. Yoram Groner*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, Deputy Chair of the BoardAbraham Ben−Naftali*, Tel Aviv, Israel, Chair of the Executive CouncilProf. Daniel Zajfman*, President, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel

Gary M. Abramson, N. Bethesda, MD, USAPennie Abramson**, N. Bethesda, MD, USASally 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, USADavid Assia, Tel Aviv, 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, USACathy Beck**, Toronto, Ont., CanadaH. Thomas Beck*, Toronto, Ont., CanadaRobert A. Belfer*, New York, NY, USA, ex−officio memberProf. Haim Ben−Shahar, Tel Aviv, IsraelDr. Emile Benassayag*, Paris, FranceMarshall Bennett, Northbrook, IL, USAProf. Sir Michael V. Berry, FRS, University of Bristol, Bristol, UKDavid R. Bloom, Toronto, Ont., CanadaLawrence S. Blumberg, Esq.*, New York, NY, USARené Braginsky, Zurich, SwitzerlandFrances Brody, Los Angeles, CA, USAL. Yehuda Bronicki*, Yavne, IsraelStanley Chais*, Beverly Hills, CA, USAJoseph Ciechanover, Tel Aviv, IsraelDoron Cohen*, Ramat−Gan, IsraelProf. Marvin L. Cohen, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USANorman D. Cohen*, New York, NY, USASamy Cohn*, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilProf. Paul J. Crutzen, Max−Planck−Institut für Chemie, Mainz, GermanyProf. Constantine M. Dafermos, Brown University, Providence, RI, USALeslie L. Dan, Scarborough, Ont., CanadaRaoul de Picciotto, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Helen 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, USAEdly R. Dollar, Tel Aviv, IsraelProf. 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, IsraelJulian Dwek**, London, UKMaurice 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, USALaura Flug**, New York, NY, USAProf. Haim Garty**, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, Vice President, ex−officio memberMoshe Gavish*, Tel Aviv, IsraelMauricio Gerson, Mexico, D.F., MexicoMartin S. Gerstel*, Jerusalem, IsraelDavid Ginsburg*, Washington, DC, USAProf. Michel E. Goldberg, Institut Pasteur, Paris, FranceAbraham M. Goldwasser*, Savyon, IsraelCarol Gordon, Toronto, Ont., CanadaProf. Michael B. Green, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UKYair Green**, Adv., Jerusalem, IsraelScott 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, IsraelProf. Sir Richard Timothy Hunt**, FRS, London, UKEphraim Ilin, Tel Aviv, IsraelArmando Jinich, Mexico, D.F., MexicoDr. Yair Kadishay*, Ramat Hasharon, Israel

2 The Board of Governors

Morris S. Kahn, Ramat−Gan, 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, USA, Chair EmeritusMorris Kerzner, Toronto, Ont., CanadaHelen L. Kimmel*, New York, NY, USAMartin S. Kimmel*, New York, NY, USADonald Kirk**, Chicago, IllinoisDerrick 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., Canada, Chair EmeritusProf. Walter Kohn, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USAAlain Köstenbaum, Geneva, SwitzerlandBenny Landa, Rehovot, IsraelProf. Jean−Marie Lehn, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, FranceJonathan D. Leitersdorf*, New York, NY, USADr. Alan I. Leshner, Potomac, MD, 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, USAProf. Charles M. Lieber, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USARobert B. Machinist*, New York, NY, USAIsrael Makov**, Carmei Yoseph, IsraelJoshua Maor*, Ramat−Gan, IsraelDan Mayer*, Zug, SwitzerlandRina Mayer, Tel Aviv, IsraelGurion Meltzer*, Tel Aviv, IsraelDan Meridor**, Jerusalem, IsraelDr. Leora Meridor*, Jerusalem, IsraelRoselyn B. Meyer, Aventura, FL, USAProf. David Mirelman*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, IsraelLord Parry A. Mitchell*, London, UKIra Mondry**, Detroit, Michigan, USAAndrew R. Morse*, Harrison, NY, USALon Morton, Calabasas, CA, USAShlomo Nehama, Tel Aviv, IsraelJoseph G. Nissim*, Geneva, SwitzerlandProf. Moshe Oren, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel

The Board of Governors 3

Martin D. Paisner, CBE*, London, UKProf. David Peleg*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, ex−officio memberChemi 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, USAMoshe Porath*, Tel Aviv, IsraelDan Propper, Petah−Tiqua, IsraelProf. Alexander Rich, M.I.T., Cambridge, MA, USASir John H. Ritblat, London, UKBarrie D. Rose*, Toronto, Ont., CanadaProf. Jesse Roth, MD, FACP, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY,USALord Rothschild, GBE, London, UKProf. Menachem Rubinstein*, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, ex−officio memberProf. Bert Sakmann, Max−Planck−Institut für Medizinische Forschung, Heidelberg, GermanyPierre L. Schoenheimer, New York, NY, USASara L. Schupf, New York, NY, USAModi Segal**, Herzeliya, IsraelProf. 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., CanadaGregg M. Steinberg, Buffalo Grove, IL, USARudolfine (Finni) Steindling, Vienna, AustriaLuis E. Stillmann, Mexico, D.F., MexicoLord Stone of Blackheath, London, UKS. Donald Sussman*, Greenwich, CT, USADoron Tamir*, Tel Aviv, IsraelMarvin Tanner, Saint−Laurent (Montreal), Quebec, CanadaEvelyn Tenenbaum, New York, NY, USADavid I. Teplow, Weston, MA, USATheodore H. Teplow*, Cambridge, MA, USABarry S. Townsley, CBE, London, UKProf. Marc Van Montagu, Brussels, BelgiumDr. Yossi Vardi, Tel Aviv, IsraelDr. Harlan Waksal**, New York, NY, USAProf. Hans A. Weidenmüller*, Max−Planck−Institut für Kernphysik, Heidelberg, GermanyProf. Charles Weissmann, MD, PhD, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA


Dr. Albert Willner*, Coral Springs, 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, GermanyJacques Zagury, Mexico, D.F., MexicoDr. Felix Zandman, Malvern, PA, USAHenri Zimand, Monte Carlo, MonacoLois Zoller, Chicago, IL, USAUzi Zucker, New York, NY, USASharon Zuckerman, Willowdale, Ont., Canada

The Founding Chairperson

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

*Member of the Executive Council**New Member from November 2007

Governors Emeriti

Ayala Zacks Abramov, Jerusalem, IsraelSem Almaleh, Geneva, SwitzerlandProf. Duilio Arigoni, ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich, SwitzerlandProf. Fritz H. Bach, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USAAmnon S. Barness, New York, NY, USARobert G. Begam*, Phoenix, AZ, USAProf. Baruj Benacerraf, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USAStuart A. Bernstein, Washington, DC, USAMarc Besen, Toorak, Victoria, AustraliaAlbert Bildner, New York, NY, 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, UKProf. Mildred Cohn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USASir 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, USA


Sir 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, UKHerbert M. Gelfand, Los Angeles, CA, USAProf. 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, USABram Goldsmith, Beverly Hills, CA, USARichard F. Goodman, New York, NY, USAJoel Greisman, Don Mills, Ont., CanadaShlomo Grofman, Tel Aviv, IsraelDr. 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, IsraelProf. Sir Hans L. Kornberg, FRS, Boston University, Boston, MA, USADov 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, USAAndré 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, Guelph, Ont., CanadaRowland Schaefer, Pembroke Pines, FL, USAProf. Harold A. Scheraga, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USAWalter E. Schoenfeld, Seattle, WA, USAJerome A. Siegel, New York, NY, USAWilliam H. Singer, Tucson, AZ, USA


Prof. 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, UKSaul Waring, New Yoek, NY, USALord 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. Marvin L. Cohen, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 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. Sir Richard Timothy(Tim) Hunt, FRS, London Research Institute, London, UK (fromNovember 2007)Prof. 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. 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, USAProf. Charles M. Lieber, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 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, USAProf. Daniel Zajfman, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel, ex−officio member

10 The Scientific and Academic Advisory Committee

Institute Officers

PresidentProfessor Daniel Zajfman

Vice PresidentProfessor Haim Garty

Vice President for Administration and FinanceGad Kober

Vice President for Resource Development and Public AffairsProfessor Israel Bar−Joseph

Vice President for Technology TransferProfessor Mordechai Sheves

Senior Advisor to the President for Information SystemsProfessor Yigal Burstein

Chair, Council of ProfessorsProfessor David Peleg

Chair, Scientific CouncilProfessor Menachem Rubinstein

Vice Chair, Scientific CouncilProfessor Ron Naaman

Advisory Committee to the President

Professor Zvi ArtsteinProfessor Israel Bar−JosephProfessor Hadassa Degani (until November 2007)Professor Adi Kimchi (from December 2007)Professor Haim GartyProfessor Benjamin GeigerGad KoberProfessor David PelegProfessor Yehiam PriorProfessor Menachem RubinsteinProfessor Mordechai ShevesProfessor Ben−Zion ShiloProfessor Yaron Silberberg

Professor Yosef Yarden

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

President – Robert A. BelferImmediate Past President – Robert AsherChairman – Professor Melvin Schwartz (deceased)Founding Chairman – Abraham Feinberg (deceased)Secretary and Treasurer – Andrew MorseDean of the Feinberg Graduate School – Professor Yosef Yarden

Deans of the Faculties

BiochemistryProfessor Ben−Zion Shilo

BiologyProfessor Benjamin Geiger

ChemistryProfessor Yehiam Prior

PhysicsProfessor Yaron Silberberg

Mathematics and Computer ScienceProfessor Zvi Artstein

Senior Administrative Officers

Academic Secretary and Head, Directorate for Research and Academic AffairsDr. Boaz Avron

Chief Legal CounselShulamit Geri

Head, Construction and Plant Maintenance DivisionEliezer Elhadad

Head, Finance DivisionOsnat Wishnitzer

12 Institute Officers

Head, Human Resources DivisionVered Liverant Kessler

Head, Logistics and Research Services DivisionAsher Bar−on

Head, Procurement DivisionNathan Shtark

Internal Auditor and OmbudsmanDoron Yonai

Secretary of the AssociationKelly Avidan

Resource Development and Public Affairs − Senior Officers

Director, Resource Development – Ronit Neaman−AnukovDirector, Strategic Development – Gila ShmueliHead, Barbara and Morris Levinson Visitors Center – Navit KopelisHead, Publications and Media Relations Department – Yivsam Azgad

Institute Officers 13

14 Institute Officers

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, around2500 scientists, 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 asa backdrop to the cutting−edge research performed in its labs. In addition, visiting scientistsand their families – over 655 from 30 countries in 2007 – 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 ofthe State of Israel, envisioned the establishment of a world−class scientific research center.Though resources were extremely scarce, Dr. Weizmann, a successful chemist and tirelessstatesman for the Zionist cause, believed such an institute was crucial to securing the future ofa Jewish state, 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. Weizmannhad his lab in the Daniel Sieff Institute, alongside those of 10 other full−time researchers inorganic chemistry and biochemistry.

Throughout WWII and Israel’s War of Independence, Institute scientists were deeplyinvolved in the war efforts, yet under Dr. Weizmann’s direction, the Institute continued togrow. The end of WWII and the founding of the new Jewish state brought an influx of newscientific talent, and with it a new determination to make Israel a center of scientificexcellence. By the time it was formally dedicated in 1949, shortly after Israel’s declaration ofindependence, the Weizmann Institute housed 60 labs in nine fields of research, includingorganic, inorganic and bio− chemistry, optics and electronics, bacteriology and biophysics,polymer and isotope research, and applied mathematics. The Wolfson Institute ofExperimental Biology was under construction and the first residential quarters were nearingcompletion.

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 artificialintelligence. 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 Science

Teaching 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 bringshands−on science to schools. The Clore Garden of Science, which opened in 1999, is theworld’s first completely interactive outdoor science museum, and it plays host to a widelypopular science festival 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.

16 The Weizmann Institute of Science

Faculty of Biochemistry

Dean: Ben−Zion ShiloThe Hilda and Cecil Lewis Professor of Molecular Genetics

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

Institute ProfessorThe Theodore R. Racoosin Professor of Biophysics

http://www.weizmann.ac.il/homepage/pages/dbiochem.shtml

Faculty of Biochemistry

Dean: Ben−Zion ShiloThe Hilda and Cecil Lewis Chair of Molecular Genetics

The faculty is comprised of three scientific departments, including Biological Chemistry,Molecular Genetics and Plant Sciences, as well as the Biological Services unit.A number of Research Centers operate within the different departments: Plant Sciences −−The Avron−Willsttter Minerva Center for Research in Photosynthesis; The Charles W. andTillie K. Lubin Center for Plant Biotechnology. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center forPlant Molecular Genetics Research; the Mel Dobrin Center for Nutrition. Molecular Genetics−− The Leo and Julia Forchheimer Center for Molecular Genetics; The Crown HumanGenome Center; The M.D. Moross Institute for Cancer Research, (headed by Prof. YoramGroner in this Faculty), and the newly−established David &Fela Shapell Family Centre forGenetic Disorders Research. Biological Chemistry −− The Dr. Josef Cohn Minerva Centerfor Biomembrane Research. In addition, the Institute for Molecular Medicine,commemorating the late Y. Leon Benoziyo, is now operating under the auspices of theFaculty.

Modern research in Biology is characterized by the broad range of disciplines involved, andthe wide sweep of approaches in which a problem or system can be addressed: from thesingle molecule to the whole organism. Similarly, it is now possible to examine a gene orprotein in the context of its immediate pathway, or as part of a broader, “systems level”analysis. These different approaches are represented in the Faculty of Biochemistry.

The department of Biological Chemistry, which is the largest scientific department at theWeizmann Institute, focuses on the structure and function of proteins. It addresses topicsranging from the structure and association between proteins, including analysis of largecomplexes such as the proteosome, to their trafficking and targeting to different cellularcompartments. Accelerated evolution of proteins in the test tube allows the generation of newproperties and novel insights into forces that shape evolution of proteins. Groups within thedepartment also focus on DNA repair, gene expression in a variety of systems including EScells, and mechanisms of neuronal migration and injury repair.

The department of Molecular Genetics focuses on the analysis of biological processes inwhole organisms. The projects include analysis of neuronal functions and bone developmentin mice, and examination of the roles of micro−RNAs during embryonic and post−embryonicdevelopment. In Drosophila, processes of spermatogenesis, muscle fusion and attachment,and signaling during development are studied. Extensive work on yeast includes localizationof transcripts, as well as systems analysis and microscopy−based screens for genome wide

18 Faculty of Biochemistry


properties. Processes of cell death and cytokine signaling are also addressed. Genomicapproaches are utilized to study processes such as olfaction.

The department of plant sciences examines a broad range of topics, from biophysical aspectsof photosynthesis, to issues of recombination, innate immunity, leaf morphogenesis andapplication of metabolomic approaches, in combination with plant genetics.

Continuous progress in the Life Sciences is more and more dependent extensive cooperationbetween scientists of different expertise, as well as the ability to introduce modern equipment.During 2007 the facilities were expanded especially in the areas of new microscope facilitiesand mass spectroscopy. In order to maintain the vibrant scientific environment, we areconstantly searching to recruit talented young scientists and continue to invest in theestablishment of new facilities and the acquisition of new equipment.


Faculty of Biochemistry 19


Biological Chemistry

Zvi Livneh, Head (until November 2007)The Maxwell Ellis Chair of Biomedical Research

Eitan Bibi, Head (from December 2007)

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 many overlappinginterests and inter−group collaborations. Current research activities evolve around thefollowing seven foci of interest:

Protein structure, function, design and evolution

Ephraim Katchalski−Katzir and his colleagues are investigating molecularmechanisms of protein recognition by examining interactions between specificproteins and peptides selected from a random peptide library. In parallel they developand apply a theoretical protein−protein recognition algorithm (docking). GideonSchreiber and his coworkers study the basic physico−chemical principles governingprotein−protein interactions, and how these relate to complex biological processes.The gained understanding is implemented in several medically relevant systems suchas the binding of interferon to its receptor, as well as in algorithm development. MeirWilchek and his group are studying the structure of avidin and its exceptionally highaffinity to biotin. The avidin−biotin complex is being utilized for a variety of newbiotechnological applications. Edward A. Bayer and his colleagues are studying thestructure, architecture and biotechnological applications of the multi−enzymecellulosome complex, its interactions with cellulose and other plant cell−wallpolysaccharides, and the utilization of recombinant designer cellulosomes forenhanced decomposition of cellulosic substrates in the conversion of biomass tobioenergy. The group of Dan S. Tawfik is interested in the mechanism and evolutionof proteins, and enzymes in particular. They perform laboratory evolution experimentsaimed at understanding how new proteins evolve, and at the creation of novelenzymes with tailor−made activities.

1.

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

2.

20 Biological Chemistry

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

Several groups are investigating proteins that form specific pores across the cellmembrane. Eitan Reuveny is investigating the molecular properties of a group ofneuronal K+ channels and their interaction with G−proteins. Yechiel Shai's groupuses a multidisciplinary approach to study the insertion, assembly and function ofmembrane proteins involved in immune response (TCR, TLR), infectious diseases(host−defense peptides; i.e. antimicrobial and anticancer peptides), and viralenvelopes (HIV/SIV gp41). These studies also led to the design of novel potentialantimicrobial, anticancer, immunosuppressive, and antiviral drugs. Nuclear porecomplexes, multi−protein structures, that transport macromolecules in and out of thenucleus, are being studied by Ziv Reich. His work utilizes biophysical methods suchas atomic force microscopy. Haim Garty focuses on two themes in the regulation ofion transport, which participate in maintaining body salt and water balance. One is theepithelial Na+ channel, which mediates the aldosterone−dependent Na+ reabsorptionin the kidney and intestine, and the other is a new group of tissue specific regulatorsof the Na+/K+ ATPase, the FXYD proteins. Steven J. D. Karlish and his colleaguesare exploring the structure and organization of Na,K−ATPase, and its regulation byFXYD proteins. This ion pump plays a central role in maintaining Na and K gradientsacross the cell membrane and is involved in the pathophysiology of essentialhypertension. Another family of transport proteins, which extrude toxins from cellsand hence pose a major obstacle in cancer chemotherapy and antibiotic treatment, isbeing studied by Eitan Bibi. The groups of Steven J. D. Karlish and Eitan Bibi arealso interested in solving membrane protein structures by X−ray crystallography.Other researchers are interested in photosynthesis and its relation to ion transport.Zippora Gromet−Elhanan is studying the rotary mechanism of the photosyntheticF0F1 ATP synthase, using genetically engineered hybrid bacterial/plant F1−coreassemblies and single molecule analysis. Shmuel Malkin's research in photosynthesisconcentrated on accomplishing an artificial model system for understanding the roleof zeaxanthin in the protection against photodamage under high light intensity. Thegroups of Uri Pick and Ada Zamir are collaborating to elucidate the mechanisms bywhich the green alga Dunaliella copes with extreme changes in external salinity andwith iron deprivation.

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 anumber of laboratories. Eitan Bibi and his co−workers are studying the role of thesignal recognition particle (SRP) and other cellular components in the biogenesis ofprokaryotic membrane proteins. They seek to identify new components of themachinery, and to understand how ribosomes target and associate with the membrane,and how membrane protein synthesis is regulated. Zvulun Elazar is investigatingintracellular protein traffic in eukaryotic systems. His work has led to theidentification of new factors that couple transport vesicles to cytoskeletal elements.Delivery of lipids to the cell membrane, and their role in neuronal growth is being

3.

Biological Chemistry 21

studied by Anthony Futerman and his colleagues, with particular emphasis onrelated diseases such as Gaucher, Tay−Sachs, and Niemann−Pick disease. Togetherwith I. Silman and J. Sussman he recently solved the structure of cerezyme, theenzyme given to Gaucher disease patients. In addition, he is working on mechanismsof ceramide signaling, and has characterized a gene family involved in regulatingceramide synthesis.

Signal transduction, and molecular pathogenesis

Several researchers in the department are interested in problems related to signaltransduction, chemotaxis and pathogenesis. Michael Eisenbach’s group isinvestigating, at the molecular level, how bacteria navigate according to chemicalcues (chemotaxis), and how human sperm cells are guided to the egg. Recently theyfound that the flagellar switch complex of E. coli contains fumarate reductase, whichis important for all its functions. They also found that sperm guidance involves at leasttwo steps: a long−range thermal guidance (thermotaxis) from the cooler sperm storagesite in the female genital tract to the warmer fertilization site, and a short−rangechemotaxis step to substances secreted from the egg. The group of David Wallach isstudying mechanisms that control cell death and tissue damage, and involve thecaspase cysteine−protease family, and transcription factors of the NF−kB family.They have cloned and characterized several proteins that participate in the inductionof cell death and inflammation by receptors of the TNF/NGF family, and explore theirmechanisms of action. Using transgenic mouse models, they currently focus onelucidating the contribution of genetic variations in these proteins to skin pathology,inflammatory disorders and cancer. Retrograde signaling complexes which governneuronal growth and regeneration are being investigated by Michael Fainzilber andhis co−workers. They have identified new targeting and scaffolding proteins thatenable axon−cell body communication in neurons. David Mirelman and hisco−workers are characterizing regulatory mechanisms that control the expression ofvirulence factors in the human intestinal protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica.Other studies, in collaboration with the group of Meir Wilchek, focus on thetherapeutic properties of the biologically active garlic molecule Allicin. YoramShechter is exploring the mechanism of action of insulin, with emphasis onpost−receptor defects in adipose and muscle tissues that lead to insulin−resistance,and are therefore relevant to type II diabetes and obesity in humans. In addition he hasdeveloped technologies to prolong the life−time of peptides and protein drugs in vivo,and a therapeutic approach for overcoming states of insulin resistance in type 2diabetes patients. Ruth Miskin is studying the plasminogen activation system, and isutilizing transgenic animals to reveal biological roles of this system. Therapeutic andpathogenic signals of the cell membrane, in tumor cells that are subjected tohydrostatic pressure are being examined by Meir Shinitzky. In addition, heinvestigates the effect on differentiation in breast cancer cells and neuoronal cells ofcyclic phosphates, signaling molecules that originate from phospholipid degradation.Ehud Shapiro' s group is using a high−level computer process description language,Stochastic Pi Calculis, to mathematically specify and simulate signal transduction

4.


pathways.

Genome maintenance and function: DNA repair and gene expression

Zvi Livneh and his coworkers are exploring the molecular mechanisms of DNArepair and mutagenesis in mammals, and in particular translesion DNA synthesis(TLS) by specialized DNA polymerases, and the role of DNA repair in cancersusceptibility. Recently they discovered that TLS is regulated by p53 via p21 tomaintain a low mutation load. They also discovered that reduced activity of the DNArepair enzyme OGG1 is a risk factor in lung and head and neck cancers. Two groupsare studying mechanisms mediating regulation of gene expression. Rivka Diksteinand her associates are investigating the molecular mechanism of transcriptionregulation by TAFs, a highly conserved group of proteins that together with TBP(TATA−binding protein) constitutes the transcription initiation factor TFIID. MichaelWalker and colleagues are investigating the regulation of specific gene expression ininsulin−producing pancreatic beta cells, and how embryonic stem cells can be inducedto develop efficiently into beta cells. Recent studies have revealed that activity ofGPR40, a novel beta cell receptor, helps explain the important, yet poorly understoodconnection between obesity and diabetes.

5.

Mechanisms of developmental regulation

Avraham Yaron’s group is studying the molecular mechanisms that govern axonguidance during embryonic development. They focus on the mechanisms by whichguidance receptors are regulated, and how these receptors transmit their signals. YoavSoen's group is using embryonic stem cells models to study how different layers ofregulation interact to specify morphogenetic decisions, how these decisions areshaped by interactions between emerging precursors and how they are coordinatedacross a developing embryonic tissue.

6.

Biolmolecular computers and computation−based cell lineage analysis

Ehud Shapiro and his team are investigating the engineering of computers made ofbiological molecules. They succeeded to construct a finite automaton made of DNAand enzymes, which is capable of sensing and diagnosing molecular diseasesymptoms, and in response releasing a drug−like molecule in a test−tube modelsystem. In a different direction, advanced computational techniques combined withsomatic mutation analysis are used for reconstructing cell lineage trees in culturedcells and in mice.

7.




Research Staff, Visitors and Students

Professors

Eitan Bibi, Ph.D., Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,Jerusalem, IsraelMichael Eisenbach, Ph.D., Tel Aviv University, Tel−Aviv, Israel The Jack and Simon Djanogly Professor of BiochemistryAnthony H. Futerman, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Joseph Meyerhoff Professor of BiochemistryHaim Garty, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Hella and Derrick Kleeman Professor of BiochemistrySteven J.D Karlish, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The William D. Smithburg Professor of BiochemistryEphraim Katchalski−Katzir, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel Institute Professor The Theodore R. Racoosin Professor of BiophysicsZvi Livneh, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Maxwell Ellis Professor of Biomedical ResearchDavid Mirelman, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel (on extension ofservice) The Besen−Brender Professor of Microbiology and ParasitologyYechiel Shai, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Harold S. and Harriet B. Brady Professor of Cancer RrsearchYoram Shechter, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Charles H. Hollenberg Professor of Diabetes and Metabolic ResearchDavid 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, Israel(deceased December 2007)Ora 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


http://http://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/scientist/Eisenbach/home.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/scientist/futermanhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Livnehhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/caplanhome.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/scientist/Malkin/shmuel_malkin.html

Associate Professors

Ed Bayer, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot The Maynard I. and Elaine Wishner Professor of Bio−Organic ChemistryRivka 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 The Chaya Professor in Molecular NeuroscienceUri Pick, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Charles and Louise Gartner ProfessorZiv Reich, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelEitan Reuveny, Ph.D., Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, United StatesGideon Schreiber, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelDan Tawfik, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelMichael Walker, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Marvin Myer and Jenny Cyker Professor of Diabetes Research

Senior Scientists

Michal Sharon, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelYoav Soen, Ph.D., Technion − Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel Incumbent of the Daniel E. Koshland Sr. Career Development ChairAvraham Yaron, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

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 Scientists

Elena Bochkareva, Ph.D., Institute of Protein Research, Academy of the USSR, Pushchino,Russian FederationAdriana Katz, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelTamar Paz−Elizur, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

Assistant Staffs Scientists

Elena Appel, Ph.D., Medical School, Novosibirsk, Russian FederationYael Fridmann Sirkis, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelTae Bong Kang, Ph.D., Kon−Kuk University, Chungju, Korea, Republic ofRuti Kapon, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel


http://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.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/Biological_Chemistry/scientist/MichalSharon/http://www.weizmann.ac.il/~bctal

Andrew Kovalenko, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelYael Pewzner−Jung, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Junior Staff Scientists

Gili Ben−Nissan, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelIzhak Michaelevski, Ph.D., Tel Aviv University, Rehovot, IsraelReinat Nevo, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelZiv Sevilya, Ph.D., Tel Aviv University, Tel−Aviv, Israel

Consultants

Diana BachIgor Berezovsky, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USADaniel Harari Halina Lis (left September 2007)Ruth MiskinMeir Shinitzky

Visiting Scientists

Hannah Alexander, University of Missouri−Columbia, MO, ColombiaStephen Alexander, University of Missouri−Columbia, MO, ColombiaBarbara Costa, University of Turin, ItalyRosa Maria Garcia De Arias, University of Mexico, MexicoLiana Silva, University of Lisbonne, PortugalNobuhiko Tokuriki, University of Osaka, Japan

Postdoctoral Fellows

Lee David Albee, Ph.D., Saint Louis UniversityGali Arad, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelAnat Bahat, Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelMinerva Paola Barrios Ceballos, Institute of Experimental Biology Research, UGShimon Bershtein, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelKonstantin Bogdanov, Tel−Aviv University, IsraelLiana Casquinha Da Silva, Ph.D.Ofra Chen, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelSilvia Chuartzman, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelEytan Cohen, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGalit Cohen−Ben−Lulu, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelMirit Dahan−Fumbar, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelYaacov Davidov, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelJianfang Du, Ph.D., Beijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesShirley Elias, M.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel


http://bip.weizmann.ac.il/index.html

Ephraim Fass, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelMaria Fuzesi, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelLeonid Gaidukov (Gaydukov), Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelAnna Gakamsky, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelSaar Golan, Ph.D., Technion, IsraelMoshe Goldsmith, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelRinkoo Devi Gupta, Banaras Hindu University, VaranasiLiat Haklai−Topper, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelKatrin Hebel, Ph.D., Humboldt University BerlinAdrian Hugenmatter, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ)Maya Huguenin, Ph.D.Elena Iavnilovitch, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelShachar Iwanir, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelNa'Aman Kam, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelEinat Kapri−Pardes, Ph.D., Agriculture Faculty, IsraelYakov Krelin, Ben−Gurion University, IsraelYael Leitner−Dagan, Ph.D., Agriculture Faculty, IsraelMichal Levy, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelYael Lifshitz, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGregory Linshiz, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelFlorence−Yeudith Maaravi, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelAdi Mesika, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelIzhak Michaelevski, Ph.D., Tel−Aviv University, IsraelReinat Nevo, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGisu Oh, Wonkwang UniversityDilhan Oncel, UT Southwestern Medical Center at DallasRony Oren Benaroya, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelSatheeshkumar Padikara Kutty, Madurai Kamaraj University, MaduraiAdi Peleg, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelYael Petel Galil, Ph.D., Tel−Aviv University, IsraelVladimir Potapov, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelPravinkumar Purushothaman, Ph.D., School of Biotech, Madurai Kamaraj UniversityAkhil Rajput, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelParameswaran Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelDana Reichmann, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelIda Rishal, Ph.D., Tel−Aviv University, IsraelLaila C. Roisman, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelSaroj Shekhawat, Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelNaomi Siew, Ph.D., Ben−Gurion University, IsraelMisha Soskine, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelPetro Starokadomskyy, Ph.D., Institute of Molecular biology &Genetics NASUJohnny Stiban, Ph.D., University of Maryland, College ParkDror Tobi, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelNobuhiko Tokuriki, Ph.D., Osaka University, JapanHailin Zheng, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel


http://www.wisdom.weizmann.ac.il/~kam/http://bioinfo.weizmann.ac.il/~danag

Research Students

Sheera Adar Livnat AfriatNira Amar Liat Amir−ZilbersteinMichael Anbar Leah ArmonTali Avnit−Sagi Keren BaharLiat Bahari Anat BahatHagit Bar Nadav BarRoy Bekerman Talya BelogusRotem Ben Tov Perry Keren Ben YaakovTuval Ben Yehezkel Moran BentzurShimon Bershtein Yonathan CaspiSilvia G. Chuartzman Mati CohenTomer Cohen Ayelet CooperNoam Diamant Elizabeta DinitzRofa Elfakess Racheli ErezAvner Fink Zohar FridmanDan Frumkin Leonid Gaidukov (Gaydukov)Anna Gakamsky Kfir GazitBinyamin Gil Lyubov (Luba) GinzburgMichal Golan−Mashiach Bracha HalafLiraz Harel Michal HarelHaim Haviv Ayal HendelLior Izhar Diego JaitinJaakov Kacher Maya KahanEyal Kalie Shai KaplanAlon Karpol Ranit KedmiOlga Khersonsky Jin Chul KimNoga Dalia Kowalsman Sujoy LahiriElad Lavee Laviad Anat Lavi ItzkovitzElena Levin Orna LiarziYael Lifshitz Karin Linnewiel−HermoniIrina Lubarski Arik MakovitzkiElinor Malul Yonit Marcus−PerlmanGuy Mlechkovich Natali MolotskiOren Moscovitz Shiri MoshitzkyIlit Noach Ekaterina PetrovichOfer Rahat Akhil RajputOphir Rav−Hon Adi RavehDana Reichmann Peter ReuvenGabriela Ridner Inbal RivenLiat Rockah Erez RomiYosef Rosenfeld Rona Sadja GertnerNeta Sal−Man Ruth Scherz−ShovalYael Segal−Ruder Sigal Shachar


http://www.weizmann.ac.il/mathusers/lbn/new_pages/new_pages/group_member/benny.htmlhttp://bioinfo.weizmann.ac.il/~danag

Saroj Shekhawat Elena ShvetsNadejda Sigal Michal SlutzkiShay Stern Einat VitnerAdam Wasserstrom Hilla WeidbergNomy Wender Yael Wexler− CohenItamar Yadid Ganit YardenIdo Yosef Dmitry YudinTatyana Zalogin Gabriel Zarbiv

Administrator

Maanit Zibziner


Molecular Genetics

Yosef Shaul, HeadThe Oscar and Emma Getz Professor

The Department of Molecular Genetics investigates the molecular and genetic mechanisms ofbasic biological processes, in the context of both complex organism,such as human, mouseand drosophila, and at the level of single cell organism and culture. A wide range ofbiological questions and hypotheses are addressed in the fields of development, cell biology,and human/mouse genetics, on the structure, expression, stability and function of proteins andon gene expression. Additionally, the fields of bioinformatics and computational biology,which are active in the department, provide powerful genome−wide approaches to modelingbiological processes and their evolution.

A number of groups study the Drosophila model system from different aspects. The lab ofBenny Shilo continued to focus on EGF receptor signaling in Drosophila. An intricatemachinery for processing the activating ligands was uncovered. Interestingly, the amount ofligand that is secreted can be regulated by altering the intracellular compartment in whichprocessing takes place. Once the ligand is secreted, distinct threshold responses areestablished. In a combination of experimental and computational work, a novel mechanismfor creating such response thresholds was identified. In a different research avenue, novelinsights into the mechanism of cell fusion during muscle development, and the involvementof the microfilament system in the process were uncovered.

Talila Volk's lab focuses on mechanisms controlling tissue formation and organogenesis indeveloping Drosophila. They found that a splicing−dependent mechanism, controlled by theRNA−binding protein HOW, is a critical step in the induction of terminal differentiation oftendon and glial cells. Moreover, HOW−dependent repression of mRNA levels is essentialfor mesoderm invagination and spreading and the relevant target mRNAs were identified. Inaddition, their research is directed to identify factors controlling muscles migration andadhesion towards tendon cells. They found that the extra cellular matrix proteinThrombospondin is essential for the specific adhesion of muscles with their correspondingtendon cell, a process that is regulated by a secreted growth factor DEgfl7. Eli Arama’slaboratory is primarily concerned with the molecular, cellular, and anatomical mechanismsthat underlie caspase activation/apoptosis in Drosophila. Previously they showed thatspermatids normally eliminate the majority of their cytoplasm and organelles in anapoptosis−like process that requires canonical cell death proteins, including caspases. Theseobservations, as well as recent studies by other groups counter the dogma that cellsexpressing active caspases are doomed to die. Currently, a major effort in the lab is beingfocused on the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms that regulate caspase activation

30 Molecular Genetics

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

during cellular remodeling of the sperm and investigate how caspases facilitate cell terminaldifferentiation.

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 unpredictednovel roles of VEGF during bone development. First, VEGF regulates early chondrogenesisduring limb bud development. It also regulates chondrocytes survival. Finally, it stimulatesbone formation by increasing the activity of osteoblasts, both in intramembranous 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 bonedevelopment. 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 genetically modified cells andmouse models. Eran Eornstein team studies the roles of microRNAs (miRNA) indevelopment, focusing on miRNA function in vertebrate organogenesis. miRNAs repress theexpression of protein−coding mRNAs (targets), providing a previously unappreciatedregulatory mechanism for gene expression. Upon binding of an individual miRNA, or acombination of several miRNAs to the 3' untranslated region of a target mRNA, eithertranslation repression or mRNA cleavage is induced. They study the role of miRNA role inskull bone formation, in pancreas and beta−cell biology, in posttranscriptional regulationgene expression and in stochastic fate determination. These studies would reveal facets ofmiRNA biology and roles played by non coding RNAs in developmental biology and inevolution.

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 and have three major projects. The firstexamines the role of signaling pathways in the control of exocytosis at the level of membrane

Molecular Genetics 31

fusion and studies the role of kinases and phosphatases in regulation of the exocyticapparatus. The second focuses on the role of SNARE−binding proteins in endosomal proteinsorting and the onset of human diseases involving defects in lysosomal storage. The thirdexamines the role of mRNA trafficking in the regulation of basic cellular processes (e.g.polarized cell growth, peroxisome biogenesis, mitochondrial function, cell cycle, andintracellular protein trafficking) Adi Kimchi’s group studies programmed cell death, byproceeding from single gene studies towards global network analysis. By studyingDAP−kinase and its close family homologs, DRP−1 and ZIP−kinase, new mechanisms whichcontrol the less characterized modules of cell death including autophagy and programmednecrosis have been discovered. Studies on DAP5 protein highlighted the role ofcap−independent translation under stress and relaxed conditions, and initial research onDAP1 revealed the existence of a new scaffold protein which is a suppressor of autophagy.The project on the global cell death network is based on a combinatorial knock downapproach which measures the outcome of epistatic interactions between the network’sproteins (around 150). By running this new methodology they proved that compensatoryswitches between functional modules contribute to the network’s robustness, and thatinter−modular connectivity occurs at multiple positions via positive or negative interactions.The lab of Ari Elson studies the roles of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in regulatingphysiological processes. Their goals are to uncover detailed molecular−level mechanisms, bywhich specific phosphatases affect discrete physiological outcomes by dephosphorylatingspecific substrates. Their current studies focus on PTPs Epsilon and Alpha; they are usingmolecular, cellular, and whole−animal systems to uncover the role of these phosphatases inregulating malignant transformation, bone metabolism, and regulation of body mass/obesity.Chaim Kahana’s group investigates polyamines in regulating cellular proliferation. AzI, is ahomolog of ODC, but unlike ODC has no enzymatic activity and undergoes ubiquitindependent degradation. His group also studies the growth advantage this protein provides tocells. These two aspects are investigated in relation to the interaction ability of AzI with threetypes of a polyamine induced protein termed antizyme (Az) that act as negative regulators ofODC. Another aspect of investigation concernes the possible involvement of 20Sproteasomes in mediating ubiquitin independent cellular degradation. Finally, the labinvestigates the role polyamines exert in regulating cellular functions with emphasis onregulating cellular proliferation. The team of Yosef Shaul studies the basic cellular processesof transcription, protein stability and DNA−damage signaling. These processes areinvestigated also with respect to understanding the molecular basis of virus−host cellinteractions, using the hepatitis B virus (HBV) as a model. They discovered the pathway of“degradation by default” of proteins that are partially or fully intrinsically unstructured (IUPsor IDPs). This pathway is executed by the 20S proteasomes both in vitro and in vivo. Theyalso have found NQO1, an NADH regulated enzyme to play a role of 20S proteasomegatekeeper to block degradation by default. In a different research avenue they have identifieda new signaling pathway whereby c−Abl, p73 and Yap respond to DNA damage insults.

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 stem cells. In a recent study they showed that human cancers overexpressgenes that are specific to a variety of normal human tissues. Michel Revel's group


investigates regenerative medicine approaches to the treatment of diseases which destroy themyelin sheaths around nerves, such as various neuropathies, Multiple Sclerosis and spinalcord injuries. Efficient differentiation of mouse and human embryonic stem (ES) cells intooligodendrocyte precursors (OPC) was achieved and used to treat the brain of shiverer mutantmice suffering from dysmyelination. A transcription factor ZBP99/Znf281 was foundessential for expression of myelin genes in Schwann cells as well as in oligodendrocytes. Asystem allowing to study in vitro the migration of human OPC toward neurons and thesubsequent myelination of axons was developed. He is involved in developing large scaleculturing of human ES cells for cell therapy in clinical settings. They have obtainedpancreatic islet cells that could be applied for the treatment of insulin−dependent diabetes.The lab of Menachem Rubinstein studies the role of several transcription factors in growth,differentiation, cell death and immune responses. They identified a heterodimeric complex ofthe transcription factors C/EBP−² and IRF−1 as a mediator of interferon−gammaimmunomodulatory activities. Currently, the group studies the various functions of theC/EBP family of transcription factors. In particular, the role of C/EBP−² in tumor cellsurvival and pre−adipocyte differentiation. The group also studies the role of another familymember – CHOP−10 in adipocyte cell death. Another research topic deals with regulation ofIFN−± gene expression, trying to resolve the enigma of multi−gene family whose productshave a practically identical function. Also, they continue the attempts to identify receptors ofbereaved cytokines (the counterparts of orphan receptors).

A more systemic and computational approach is being taken by a number of groups. In thelab of Doron Lancet, whole−genome analyses and comparative genomics are used to decipherthe evolution of olfactory receptors, the largest gene superfamily in the human genome.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. The group also develops GeneCards, a worldwide used compendium of humangenes, which allows one to better analyses human genome information. In the realm ofSystems Biology, prebiotic molecular networks are studied as a means for understanding theemergence of life on earth. Such analyses are relevant both for solving the profound questionof how life emerged, as well as to better understand present day life, e.g. synthetic lethality incancer cells. The lab of Shmuel Pietrokovski studies the relations between protein sequence,structure and function. They pursue this goal by computational and experimental approaches.Computationally they develop methods to compare conserved protein sequence motifs, and toanalyze protein structures. Intein protein−splicing domains and related domains are studiedintegratively by experimental and computational methods. They are examining the evolution,biochemical activity and cellular function of these ancient domains that are involved invarious post−translational modifications in animals and microbes. In the lab of Naama Barkaithey aim at deducing design principles of biological networks. The two main researchprograms include bioinformatics studies of large−scale data and modeling of relativelyisolated subsystems. They recently extended their bioinformatics effort for comparativeanalysis of genome−wide transcription data between organisms, focusing on related yeastspecies. They classified in great details inter−species differences in gene expression pattern,and tried to identify the underlying genetic basis for these changes. In particular, they


identified a major re−wiring of the yeast transcription network, which is connected to theemergent of anaerobic growth capacity and characterized a connection between TATA−basedregulation and evolvability of gene expression. The modeling studies focused on two system:the spindle assembly checkpoint and gradient detection during yeast mating. In both systemsthey characterized biological constraints that the respective system need to overcome thuslimiting the possible designs of the underlying biological networks. A central challenge forliving organisms is to execute intricate cellular programs in the face of environmentalvariations, genetic changes and the inherent noise of molecular processes. Tzachi Pilpel groupaims at understanding such programs by deciphering the structure, function and evolution ofregulatory networks that control them. We study these networks at the level of their structureand at the level of their function in higher−level processes and phenomena. At the structurelevel we decipher networks controlling transcription, translation, mRNA degradation andnon−coding RNAs. At the higher functional level we study how entire processes andphenomena such as genetic backup, stress response, and evolutionary divergence of species,are regulated through the various gene expression levels. In our research we combine theory,computations, and experimental work.

In summary, the department combines structural genomic approaches with functional #34studies. Moreover, the employed multiple model organisms, namely yeast, fly, mouse andhuman, removes the species barrier and set the stage of viewing a single biological processfrom different angels, thus benefiting from the various genetic and molecular tools that eachsystem offers.

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

Research Staff, Visitors and Students

Professors

Yoram Groner, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel (on extension ofservice) The Dr. Barnet Berris Professor of Cancer ResearchAdi Kimchi, Ph.D., Tel Aviv University, Tel−Aviv, Israel The Helena Rubinstein Professor in Cancer ResearchDoron Lancet, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Ralph D. and Lois R. Silver Professor of Human GenomicsMenachem Rubinstein, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Edna and Mickey Weiss Professor of Cytokines ResearchYosef Shaul, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Oscar and Emma Getz ProfessorBen−Zion Shilo, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel The Hilda and Cecil Lewis Professor of Molecular Genetics


http://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/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/members/rubinstein.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/shaul.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/shilo.html

Professors Emeriti

Michel Revel, Ph.D., University of Strasbourg, FranceLeo Sachs, Ph.D., University of Cabmridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom The Otto Meyerhof Chair of Molecular BiologyErnest Winocour, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel

Associate Professors

Naama Barkai, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelAri 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 BiochemistryShmuel Pietrokovski, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Hermann and Lilly Schilling Foundation ProfessorOrly Reiner, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Bernstein−Mason Professor of NeurochemistryTalila Volk, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel The Professor Sir Ernest B. Chain Professor

Senior Scientists

Eli Arama, Ph.D., Technion − Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel Yigal Allon Fellow Incumbent of the Corinne S. Koshland Career Development ChairEran Hornstein, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel Yigal Allon Fellow Incumbent of the Helen and Milton A. Kimmelman Career Development ChairYitzhak Pilpel, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel Incumbent of the Aser Rothstein Career Development Chair of Genetic DiseasesElazar Zelzer, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel Incumbent 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


http://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/sachs.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/naama.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/pietrokovski.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/reiner.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/volk.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/arama.htmlhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/hornstein.html, http://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/members/hornstein/eran_group/main.htmlhttp://longitude.weizmann.ac.il/

Assistant Staff Scientists

Elena Ainbinder, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelShani Bialik, Ph.D., Division of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, UnitedStatesAlon Levy, Ph.D., The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, IsraelTsviya Olender, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelNina Reuven, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelTamar Sapir, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelAriel Werman, Ph.D., Ben−Gurion University of the Negev, Beer−Sheva, Israel

Junior Staff Scientists

Orna Dahan, Ph.D., Tel Aviv University, Tel−Aviv, IsraelVladimir Hurgin, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, IsraelTatyana Kogan, Ph.D., Moscow Medical Stomatology Institute (MMSI), Russian Federation (left December 2007)

Engineer

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

Consultants

Jacques S. Beckmann, Lausanne − CHUV, SwitzerlandYael Esther Feinstein RotkopfRuth Gross−IsseroffTsippi Iny SteinNa'aman KamSylvie Luria, Ashkelon Technology Incubator, Ashkelon, IsraelRon Shamir, Tel Aviv University, Tel−Aviv, IsraelMichael Shmoish, Technion − Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, IsraelOrit Shmueli, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, IsraelClara Singer (left October 2007)

Visiting Scientists

Sheila Harroch, Institut Pasteur, Paris, FranceShay Rotkopf, University of Vienna, AustriaDavid Shafritz, A. Einstein College of Medicine, NY, U.S.A.Rafael Zidovetzki, University of California at Riverside, U.S.A.


http://www.wisdom.weizmann.ac.il/~kam/

Postdoctoral Fellows

Julia Adler, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelEfrat Assa−Kunik, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelNurit Avraham, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelYonatan Bilu, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelJudith Cohen, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGalina Gabriely, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelNoga Gadir, Ph.D., The Graduate Center of the City University of NewDan Gluck, Tel−Aviv University, IsraelArye Harel, Ph.D.David Hava, Ph.D., Free University BerlinAron Inger, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelJoy Kahn, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelYoav Lubelsky, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelDima Lukatsky, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelTal Melkman−Zehavi, Ph.D., Brandeis UniversityInbal Mor, Ph.D., Hebrew University of Jerusalem, IsraelSharon Reef, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelDalia Rosin Grunewald, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelAyelet Schlesinger − Arbiv, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGalit Shohat, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelShalom Guy Slutsky, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelGil Stelzer, Ph.D., Bar−Ilan University, IsraelAdina Weinberger, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelSarit Weissmann, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelKeren Yacobi−Sharon, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, IsraelDaniela Zalcenstein (Nee Ama, Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel

Research Students

Yaarit Adamovich Daniela Bettina Amann−ZalcensteinRoy Amariglio Hamutal ArbelEfrat Assa−Kunik Omer BaradOmri Bauer Oren Ben−AmiDan Ben−Zvi Dalia Berman−GolanZohar Bloom Karen Rae BoneAntonio De Padua Castillo Flores Elik ChapnikDorit Cohen Judith CohenBareket Dassa Avital EisenbergHadas Elhanany Idit Eshkar− OrenAnat Florentin Tali GarinRita Gelin−Licht Indraneel GhoshBoaz Gildor Eliezer GilsohnRoni Golan − Lavi Shira Granot − Attas


http://bioinfo2.weizmann.ac.il/~bareket/

Liora Haim Yehudit HasinDavid Israeli Michal IzraelDaphna Joseph−Strauss Anna KaplanYosef Kaplan Vered KatzAlona Keren−Paz Amnon Koren Guy Landau Michal LapidotDan Levy Sagi LevyNoa Liberman Idit LivnatYoav Lubelsky Mati MannLea Marash Jada (R'ada) MassarwaOfir Meir Idan MenasheAmir Mitchell Ronit NirAia Oz Niv PencovichZiv Porat Noa Rappaport Liat Ravid Sharon ReefEran Reem Adriana ReuvenyLiat Rousso Noori Sivan SapoznikOfer Sarig Ayelet SchlesingerMichal Segal Ophir ShalemTamar Shapira−Cohen Barak ShenhavAmir Shlomai Anat ShmueliYishay Shoval Tal SinesEinat Sitbon Boris SlobodinZohar Snapir Ilya SoiferItay Tirosh Peter TsvetkovKfir Baruch Umansky Ilya Venger Bess Wayburn Nofar WollerLiat Yakir−Tamang Shaul YogevEinat Zalckvar Peilin ZhangGadi Zipor

Administrator

Lea Marom


http://barkai-serv.weizmann.ac.il/GroupPage/amnon.htmhttp://www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/Shaul/Levy/index.htmlhttp://longitude.weizmann.ac.il/amir/http://barkai-serv.weizmann.ac.il/GroupPage/noa.htmhttp://longitude.weizmann.ac.il/~ilya

Plant Sciences

Gad Galili, HeadThe Bronfman Chair 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 todevising a rational approach to secure more food, and food of better quality. This is importantas plants offer the world the main renewable resource of foods, building material and energy.Plants as multicellular organisms have developed highly sophisticated short and long−termadaptive mechanisms to the changing environment as a result of the simple fact that theycannot alter their location during environmental change. Thus, the research activities in theDepartment of Plant Sciences are centered around plant biology and its relation to theenvironment. Our model systems study the function and regulation of isolated genes and theirinteractive behavior in the context of the whole plant. To accomplish this we h

Documents

Table of Contents · The Board of Governors Mandy Moross*, London, UK, Chair of the Board Lester Crown*, Chicago, IL, USA, Deputy Chair of the Board Robert J. Drake*, Wassenaar, The

Table of Contents · The Board of Governors Mandy Moross, London, UK, Chair of the Board Lester Crown, Chicago, IL, USA, Deputy Chair of the Board Robert J. Drake*, Wassenaar, The