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Personal Information |
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Education
Title of
Master's thesis: " Water and energy exchanges
in desert and temperate hare populations (Lepus
capensis)”. Prof. A.
Shkolnik, Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University.
Further studies
Academic and professional experience
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Research Interests |
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Research in my laboratory focuses on three related projects:
Results of this study will enable us to: a) understand the precise motor activity rhythms of nocturnally active A. russatus; b) compare the body temperature rhythms of nocturnally and diurnally active A. russatus; c) estimate the cost in energy and water turnover of shift from nocturnal to diurnal activity of A. russatus; d) understand the role of food and water availability in shaping the activity pattern of A. russatus.
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Selected Publications |
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1. Kronfeld-Schor,
N., A. Haim, T. Dayan, N. Zisapel,
M. Klingenspor, and G. Heldmaier. Physiology
& Behavior. 90: 95-102. 2007. We are in
the dark here: induction of depression- and anxiety-like
behaviors in the diurnal fat sand rat, by short daylight
or melatonin injections. Chronic
MCH infusion causes a decrease in energy expenditure
and body temperature, and an increase in serum IGF-1
levels in mice. Journal
of Biological Rhythms 25:47-52. 2010
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Students and Lab Members |
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Post-Doctoral fellows
Doctoral students
M.Sc students
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My
main research interest is the interaction between
physiological and endocronological processes and the
evolutionary ecology of organisms and communities.
Physiology and especially endocrinology of mammals
are usually studied in the laboratory, and focus on
humans and laboratory animal models. However, these
systems have been shaped by evolutionary processes
under natural conditions. Moreover, the properties
of physiological and endocrinological systems influence
evolutionary processes in individuals and populations
and consequently contribute to structuring ecological
communities. Understanding these processes, using
a comparative approach will further our understanding
of these systems on one hand, and of their involvement
in ecological and evolutionary processes on the other
hand. Part of my research is carried out in the field,
using experimental ecological techniques, and part
of it is carried out in the laboratory, using endocrinological
and physiological methods, to the molecular level.
Circadian rhythmicity is a fundamental characteristic
of a species. It is an important component of its
physiology, as well as to its social and ecological
interactions. Nevertheless, the mechanisms determining
nocturnal and diurnal activity are largely unknown,
and most of what we know about mammals’ circadian
physiology comes from studies on nocturnal mammals.
In this study we use use Acomys russatus
as an alternative animal model for the study of the
neural mechanisms determining nocturnal and diurnal
activity in mammals. In its natural habitat, A.
russatus is competitively excluded by its nocturnal
congener, A. cahirinus, from a nocturnal
to a diurnal niche. We are taking advantage of this
unique ecological phenomenon. Specifically, we study
the effect of different non-photic cues on A. russatus
circadian physiology, and study rhythmic processes
(Fos, Per1 and Per2 expression) within the neural
structures that regulate circadian rhythms, in order
to determine if they are correlated with the different
activity patterns exhibited by the two Acomys
species, and with the different activity patterns
exhibited by A. russatus. These experiments
will help us to gain valuable insight into the integrated
functioning and complexity of the central mechanisms
that determine activity time, their plasticity, and
to the interplay between ecology, neurophysiology,
and circadian rhythms.
The role of time in mediating ecological interactions
and in shaping the structure of ecological communities
is still poorly understood. Moreover, little research
has focused on the role played by selective forces
and evolutionary constraints in the evolution of activity
patterns of animal species. 
food
and water availability, as well as those of evolutionary
constraints, in shaping motor activity patterns of
desert small mammals, and the community structure
at this rocky desert. 
Body mass and composition is one of the most important
characters of mammals and one that is extremely significant
to fitness. Our study focuses on the physiological,
endocrinological and biochemical mechanisms of adaptation
to food shortage in relation to behavioral ecology,
and the role of leptin in these adaptations. Specifically,
we study how desert rodents that do not store food,
survive food shortage periods. What are the mechanisms
for fat accumulation and for reducing metabolism in
response to food shortage, and what is the involvement
of leptin in these adaptations?
