| Ph.D.: |
Tel Aviv University, 1997 |
| Phone: |
(Office)
+972-3-640-5740
(Lab) +972-3-640-5739
(Fax)
+972-3-640-9403
|
| E-mail: |
nogaks@tauex.tau.ac.il
|
| Room#: |
Room 215, Meier Segals Gardens for Zoological
Research |
|
|
|
|
|
Personal Information
|
|
Education
| Period
of study |
Name
of University
|
Subject
|
Degree
or Professional License |
Date
of Award
|
| 1987
- 1990 |
Tel
Aviv University |
Life
Sciences |
B.Sc. |
1990 |
| 1990
- 1992 |
Tel
Aviv University magna cum laude |
Zoology
|
M.Sc. |
1992
|
| 1990
- 1992 |
Tel
Aviv University |
Education |
Teaching
certificate |
1992 |
| 1993
- 1996 |
Tel
Aviv University |
Management |
M.H.A.
|
1996 |
| 1992
- 1997 |
Tel
Aviv University |
Zoology
|
Ph.D. |
1997 |

Title of
Master's thesis: " Water and energy exchanges
in desert and temperate hare populations (Lepus
capensis)”.
Names of supervisor: Prof. A. Shkolnik, Tel Aviv University.
Title of Doctoral dissertation: "Coexistence
among desert spiny mice: Ecological,physiological
and biochemical aspects".
Names of supervisors:
Prof. A.
Shkolnik, Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University.
Prof.. T. Dayan, Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University.
Prof. N. Zisapel, Department of Neurobiochemistry,
Tel Aviv University
Further
studies
| Period
of study |
Name
of University |
Subject
|
Degree
or
Professional
License |
| 1998
|
Boston
University (with T. H. Kunz and E. P. Widmaier) |
Physiological
ecology |
Post-doctoral
fellow |
| 1998
- 1999 |
Boston
University |
Physiological
ecology |
Research
associate |
| 1999
- 2001 |
Tel
Aviv University (with I. Choshniak) |
Physiological
ecology |
Post-doctoral
fellow |
| 1999
- 2001 |
The
Heschel Center |
Environmental
Learning
and
Leadership |
|
Academic and
professional experience
| Period
(dates) |
Name
of Institution |
Department |
Rank/Function |
| 1988
- 1990 |
Tel
Aviv University |
Zoology
|
Research
Asst |
| 1990
- 1997 |
Tel
Aviv University |
Zoology
|
Teaching
Asst. |
| 2001
- 2006 |
Tel
Aviv University |
Zoology
|
Lecturer
(Alon fellow) |
| 2006 - |
Tel
Aviv University |
Zoology
|
Senior
lecturer |
|
Research Interests
|
|
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.
Research
in my laboratory focuses on three related projects:
1. Daily rhythms, their plasticity and ecological
significance:
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.
2. The roles of ecological and physiological selective
forces in shaping rhythms biology and community structure
in a rocky desert rodent system: (cooperation
with Prof. Tamar Dayan)
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.
An excellent model system for the study of the role
of temporal partitioning and the evolution of activity
patterns is found at Ein Gedi, near the Dead Sea.
Two congeners, the nocturnal common spiny mouse (Acomys
cahirinus) and the diurnally active golden spiny
mouse (A. russatus), coexist in rocky habitats.
This is an unusual situation; because physiological,
morphological, and behavioral adaptations often accompany
a diurnal or nocturnal way of life, closely related
species are generally active during the same part
of the diel cycle.
We are currently carrying out an experimental study
in four 1000 sq. m. field enclosures at Ein Gedi.
Two enclosures hold mixed populations of both species,
and serve as controls, while two are populated only
with A. russatus, and serve as experiments.
We study the roles of animal physiology, circadian
rhythmicity, ambient temperatures, and 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.
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.
3. Adaptation to food shortage in mammals of desert
habitats: control of body mass
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?
The study focuses on the response of Acomys russatus,
an omnivorous desert rodent that doesn’t store food,
to food restriction and the possible involvement of
uncoupling proteins in the reduction of energy expenditure
in response to food shortage. We also study the response
of Acomys russatus to high-energy diet, and
the mechanism allowing fat accumulation in this species.
|
Selected Publications
|
|
Recent
publications:
Kronfeld-Schor,
N., A. Haim, T. Dayan, N. Zisapel, M. Klingenspor,
and G. Heldmaier. Seasonal
thermogenic acclimation of diurnally and nocturnally
active desert spiny mice. Physiological and Biochemical
Zoology 73(1):37-44. 2000.
Shargal, E., N. Kronfeld-Schor, and T. Dayan.
Population biology and spatial relationships of coexisting
spiny mice of the genus Acomys. Journal of Mammalogy
81(4):1046-1052. 2000.
Kronfeld-Schor,
N., Silvia, A.B. Kunz, T. H., Richardson, C. and Widmaier,
E. P. Dissociation
of leptin secretion and adiposity during pre-hibernation
fattening in little brown bats. American Journal
of Physiology 279:R1277-R1281. 2000.
Kronfeld-Schor, N., Silvia, A. B., Bicer, E., Mathews,
P. T., Kunz, T. H., and Widmaier, E. P. Steroid-dependent
up-regulation of adipose leptin secretion in vitro
during pregnancy in mice. Biology of reproduction
63:274-280. 2000.
Kronfeld-Schor,
N., Shargal, E., Haim, A., Dayan, T., N. Zisapel,
and G. Heldmaier. Temporal
partitioning among diurnally and nocturnally active
desert spiny mice: Energy and water turnover costs.
Journal of Thermal Biology 26:139-142. 2001.
Kronfeld-Schor, N., J. Zhao, B.A. Silvia, P.T. Mathews,
S. Zimmerman, E.P. Widmaier, and T.H. Kunz. Hyperleptinemia
in pregnant bats is characterized by increased placental
leptin secretion in vitro. Endocrine 14 (2): 225-233.
2001.
Kronfeld-Schor,
N., T. Dayan, M.E. Jones, I. Kremer, Y. Mandelik,
M. Wollberg, Y. Yassur, and D. Gaton. Retinal
structure and foraging microhabitat use of the golden
spiny mouse. Journal of Mammalogy
. 82 (4):1016-1025. 2001.
Kronfeld-Schor,
N., T. Dayan, R. Elvert, A. Haim, N. Zisapel, and
G. Heldmaier. On
the use of the time axis for ecological separation:
endogenous rhythmicity as an evolutionary constraint.
American Naturalist. 158(4):451-457. 2001.
Kronfeld-Schor,
N. and Dayan, T. Partitioning
of time as an Ecological Resource. Annual Review
of Ecology and Systematics . 2003. 34:153-81
Guter, A., Saltz, D., Dolev, A., and N. Kronfeld-Schor.
Temporal,
spatial, and gender influences on road mortality in
otters: conservation implications. Israel Journal
of Zoology. 51(3): 199-207. 2005.
Barel-Cohen, K., L. S, Shore, M. Shemesh, A. Wenzel,
J. Mueller, and N. Kronfeld-Schor. Monitoring
of natural and synthetic hormones in a polluted river.
Journal of Environmental Management, 78 (1): 16-23.
2006
Pinter, N., Dayan, T., Eilam, D, and Kronfeld-Schor,
N. Is aggression
the driving force in the competition between common
and golden spiny mice? Journal of Mammalogy 81
(1) 48:53. 2006.
Gutman, R, Choshniak, I., and Kronfeld-Schor, N. Defending
body mass during food restriction in Acomys russatus:
a desert rodent that does not store food. American
Journal of Physiology. 290(4): R881-891. 2006.
Segal-Lieberman,
G., Rubinfeld, H., Glick, M., Kronfeld-Schor, N.,
and I. Shimon. Melanin-Concentrating
Hormone Stimulates Human Growth Hormone Secretion:
A Novel Effect of MCH on Energy Balance via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary
Axis? American Journal of Physiology
290:E982-988. 2006.
Cohen,
R. and Kronfeld-Schor N. Individual
variability and photic entrainment of circadian rhythms
in golden spiny mice . Physiology &
Behavior. 87: 563-574. 2006.
Roll, U., Dayan, T. and Kronfeld-Schor, N. On
the role of phylogeny in determining activity patterns
of rodents. Evolutionary Ecology. 20:
479-490. 2006.
Einat, H., Kronfeld-Schor, N., and Eilam, D. Short
photoperiod induces a depression-like response in
a diurnal rodent. Behavioral Brain Research
.173:153-157. 2006.
Guter,
A., Saltz, D., Dolev, A., and N. Kronfeld-Schor. Do
otters occasionally visit Israel’s coastal Plain?
IUCN otter specialist group bulletin
23 (1): 11-13. 2006
.
Gutman,
R., Yosha, D., Choshniak, I. , and Kronfeld-Schor
N. Two
strategies for coping with food shortage in desert
golden spiny mice. Physiology & Behavior.
90: 95-102. 2007 .
Levy,
O., Dayan, T. and Kronfeld-Schor N. 2007. The
relationship between the golden spiny mouse circadian
system and its diurnal activity: An experimental field
enclosures and laboratory study. Chronobiology
International 24(4):599-61 .
Kronfeld-Schor,
N. and Dayan, T. Activity patterns of rodents: The
physiological ecology of biological rhythms. Biological
Rhythms Research, in press.
Guter, A.,
Dolev, A., Saltz, D., and N. Kronfeld-Schor. Using
remote photography to validate the use of spraints as
an index of Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) activity. Ecological
Indicators, in press .

|
Students and Lab Members
|
Doctoral students
| 2001
- 2007 |
Roee Gutman (Co-advisor:
Itzhak Choshniak)
The role of body mass control in the adaptation
of desert rodents to food shortage |
 |
| 2004 - |
Rotem Cohen, Plasticity of circadian
rhythms in golden spiny mice |
| 2005 - |
Ofir Levi, (Co-advisor: Tamar
Dayan): Modeling climate effects: From basic principles
to community structure |
| 2005- |
Eran Levin: Aspects in the biology
and diet of Rehinopoma microphyllum (Co
advisor Yoram Yom-Tov). |
|
| 2007- |
Ronit Hacmon-Keren:
The mechanisms underlying starvation induced hyper
activity and its ecological and medical relevance
.
|
|
M.Sc students
| 2001 - 2004 |
Einav Vidan (Co-advisor: Tamar
Dayan): Factors shaping rocky desert rodent community
structure: a new method and the golden spiny mouse
as a model. |
| 2001 -
2005 |
Iris Schubert: The effect
of naturally enforced shift of activity time on
stress hormone levels, stress response and the
internal temporal order
|
| 2002 - 2004 |
Keren Cohen-Barel: Estrogenic
pollution of Israel ’s rivers: the effect on wild
fish endocrinology as a biomarker. |
| 2002 - 2005 |
Rotem Cohen: The circadian system
of Golden spiny mice (Acomys russatus). |
 |
2002
- 2005 |
Amichai
Guter: Ecology
and conservation of the Eurasian otter in Israel
. |
| 2003 - 2005 |
Moran Glik:
The role of MCH and NPY in modulating
energy balance. |
| 2003
- |
Yaara Gatsera Sandomirsky:
Parental care in common spiny mice . |
| 2005-
2007 |
Roni
Keren : Body
mass regulation in golden spiny mice: the melanocortin
system.
|
| 2005- |
Yossi Ben Ari :
Reinforcing of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra)
population in Israel : translocation as a step
towards re-colonization. |
| 2006- |
Tal Ashkenazi :
Affective responses to changes in photoperiod
in the fat sand rat : Possible mechanisms and
Insights into Seasonal Affective Disorder (Co-advisor
Haim Einat. ( |
| 2006- |
Shay Rotich. Ecological
light pollution (Co advisor Tamar Dayan ).
|
| 2007- |
Orly Barak :
The circadian system of a diurnal rodent, the
fat sand rat. |
| 2007- |
Eyal Bloch :
The physiology of foraging behavior (Co advisor
Tamar Dayan ). |
|
Enter here specific template content
|