Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) Research Center

Smadar Cohen, PhD, Head of the center

The Smadar Cohen laboratory aims at the advancement of regenerative medicine as a therapeutic strategy to treat human diseases by means of replacing damaged tissue with a new functional one prepared by tissue engineering, and/or, stimulating endogenous (the body's own) repair mechanisms to heal irreparable tissues, by applying biomolecules and biomaterials.

Present projects in Lab:

1) Bio-inspired materials designed to induce tissue regeneration and to function as defined microenvironments for controlling stem cell fate;

2) Advanced perfusion bioreactors, with mechanical and electrical stimulation for ex-vivo cell cultivation and tissue engineering;

3) Intelligent nano-sized delivery systems for nucleic acid (siRNA, miRNA, mRNA &DNA) and protein therapeutics

Technological Achievements

1) AlgiMatrixTM – A three-dimensional (3-D) culture system, the first user-friendly, animal–free bio-scaffold.

2) BCM (BL-1040/IK5001) – First-In-Class Myocardial Implant for prevention of cardiac remodeling following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

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Yoram Etzion, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator

The Etzion laboratory has broad interest in cardiac biology. We are currently working on three main clinically-oriented topics:

(a) Pacing and arrhythmia research: our group developed unique tools for long-term pacing and arrhythmia studies in conscious rodents. We utilize these novel methodologies to study molecular mechanisms involved in atrial fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia in humans, as well as the molecular effects of electromechanical dyssynchrony, a major factor in heart failure progression.

(b) Cardiac repair and regeneration: The laboratory is involved in studies in collaboration with leading researchers from the Department of Biotechnology Engineering. Our group utilizes cutting-edge methodologies to induce ischemic-cardiomyopathy and assess cardiac function following newly developed treatment modalities.

(c) Human-genetics studies: The laboratory collaborates with BGU expert in human genetics and is involved in projects on newly identified mutations leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and atrial arrhythmias. Our main focus in these projects is to utilize in-vivo and in-vitro models (including iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes) to understand the molecular mechanisms leading to the human phenotype.

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Gad Vatine, PhD, Principal Investigator

The Vatine lab is located at the new Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) Research Center. Using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) we model neurological disorders. We are specifically focused on the role of the blood brain barrier (BBB) in health and disease. By combining microfluidic and iPSC technologies we are developing individualized BBB platforms that are designed for predictive personalized medicine.

Vatine Lab Website »

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Benyamin Rosental, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

The Rosental laboratory is investigating the immune mechanisms of cellular recognition and histocompatibility. This includes immune responses in transplantation with an emphasis on stem cell transplantation. We study basic research on understanding immune mechanisms into translational medical research. We work on the immune system and stem cells with diverse organisms such as humans, tunicates, planarians and corals. We even translate our findings to ecological issues such as the use of stem cell transplantation for the preservation of coral reefs.

Lab site: rosental-lab.com

Alon Monsonego, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

Applications: Autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders.
Defining the impact of immune regulation in many disorders is a fast-emerging field that holds great promise for improving quality of life of those afflicted by such conditions. Prof. Monsonego investigates the link between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS) to understand how communication between these two decision-making systems affects susceptibility to and progression of both age-related psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis. The ultimate goal of Prof. Monsonego’s research is to provide better tools for the early diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, two conditions with ever-growing social and financial costs.

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Roi Gazit, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

Stem Cells generate new cells needed in our bodies for healthy life, and further regenerate damaged tissues upon insults. How adult stem cells are able to self-renew and sustain multipotency is largely unknown. Now, study of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) aims to discover basic biological mechanisms that enable their amazing function – as these cells already saves thousands of lives by bone marrow transplant. Revealing HSC's regulation will also enable us to control the source of the immune system.

Specific interests, with specific collaboration interests highlighted:

1. Direct reprogramming of blood-cells into HSCs. We had identified key transcription factors, doing mechanistic study and aiming to improve efficiency and TRANSLATE FOR HUMAN.

2. Tailor-made Leukemia models in immune-competent mice. Made several and can do probably any model of interest that will HELP TO DEVELOP NEW TREATMENTS.

3. High-powered Approach for Multiple-myeloma Evaluation Research: aiming for personalized precision approach for Multiple-myeloma. Collaborative study with Angel Porgador and Dr. Ori Ruvio (Soroka) to gain insight on multiple-myeloma single-cell response to combinatorial-therapies.

4. HSCs within the immune response: stem cells function as part of the immune system. We have novel abilities to identify and follow HSCs also under activation-state, interested in HSCs ON INTERESTING IMMUNOLOGICAL MODELS, AND HUMAN CHRONIC DISEASES (especially MDS).

5. Whole-trascriptome splicing in HSCs. We had recently mapped the splicing in mouse HSCs and interested in the MECHANISM(S) and FUNCTION of SPLICING IN ADULT STEM CELLs.

6. Rejuvenation of the immune system from its stem-cells. HSCs generate all immune cells, but as we age we accumulate “old" leukocytes. Depletion of “aged" immune cells may provoke REJUVENATION OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.

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Rachel Glicklis Lichtenstein, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

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Noam Levaot, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

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Shira Knafo, MD,PhD, Principal Investigator

In her laboratory Shira Knafo (MD, PhD) seeks to identify the molecular and synaptic mechanisms underlying learning and memory, cognitive malfunction and cognitive enhancement. To this end, they use cell reprogramming and a variety of behavioral, molecular and electrophysiological assays. This knowledge is further translated to developing novel approaches for memory enhancement.

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Rivki Ofir, PhD, Research Associate

Manager of the BGU iPSC Core Facility. The goal of the iPSC core is to accelerate research in the stem cell field by facilitating the derivation and distribution of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. Disease-specific iPSC lines provide us with an opportunity to model diseases in a petri dish, to study the mechanisms of disease and ultimately to develop new treatments. We study novel inherited rare genetic diseases. Understanding rare diseases based on isolated gene mutations, even in limited cases, presents opportunities for a greater understanding of the etiology of common disorders in the broader population.

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Sharon Etzion, PhD, Research Associate

Sharon has an expertise in basic cardiac research and involved in several cardiovascular research projects including characterization and phenotyping of different mice models in vivo on the biochemical, molecular and physiological levels as well as physiological studies in Human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.

Technological responsibilities:

PALM CombiSystem: combines laser microdissection with optical trapping. It allows marking an element on a frozen section and separating it selectively from the whole tissue. A targeted laser pulse 'catapult' the element upwards in a contact-free manner into a collection tube for further RNA, DNA or protein analysis. The optical trap of PALM CombiSystem manipulates particles with the highest precision at the cellular and sub-cellular level.

Hyperswitch system (IonOptix): offer fast real-time system for recording intracellular calcium [Ca+2]i transients and mechanical contraction in cardiomyocytes and hESCs and hiPSCs differentiated into cardiomyocytes or neuronal cells.

Tatyana Rabinski – Stem Cell Core Technician

Tatiana has hand on experience in growing and characterization of different iPSCs and iPSC-differentiated cells.

Members

Smadar Cohen, PhD, Head of the center

Yoram Etzion, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator

Gad Vatine, PhD, Principal Investigator

Benyamin Rosental, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

Alon Monsonego, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

Roi Gazit, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

Rachel Glicklis Lichtenstein, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

Noam Levaot, Ph.D, Principal Investigator

Shira Knafo, MD,PhD, Principal Investigator

Rivki Ofir, PhD, Research Associate

Sharon Etzion, PhD, Research Associate

Tatyana Rabinski – Stem Cell Core Technician