Agur, Zvia
Phone at TAU: 03-6407692-4
Fax: 03-6422049
E-mail:agur@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Biomathematics, Mathematical Biomedicine, Mathematical Immunology

Current Research Topics:
Mathematical Modelling of Cancer Growth and Therapy: the bone-marrow network, the growth law of primary breast cancer, optimal algorithms for cancer chemotherapy,cell-cycle control. Mathematical Immunology: the effect of drugs on immune network homeostasis, the immune response to antigenically varying pathogens, SR in vaccinations and chemotherapy policies.

Methods and Techniques:
Mainly (but not only) analysis and numerical simulations of Ordinary Differential Equations, and comparison with experimental results.

Ashery, Uri
Phone at TAU: 03 6409827
Fax: 03 6407643
E-mail:uria@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
neurobiology, synaptic plasticity, synaptic proteins, TIRF, electrophysiology, neurodegenerative diseases.

Current Research Topics:
Elucidating the roles of synaptic proteins in synaptic transmission and plasticity under physiological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods and Techniques:
membrane capacitance, amperometry, TIRF, calcium imaging, calcium caging, electrophysiology, neuronal culture, molecular biology, imaging.

Assaf, Yaniv
Phone at TAU: 03-6407661
Fax: 03-6407168
E-mail:assafyan@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Neuroimaging, Neuroplasticity

Current Research Topics:
1. MRI of brain plasticity in humans and rodents
2. The virtual microscope: MRI of tissue microstructure in humans and rodents
3. MRI of brain connectivity and neuronal pathways in humans and rodents.

Methods and Techniques:
MRI: diffusion MRI, Inversion recovery MRI, anatomical MRI; Behavior; histology.

Ayali, Amir
Phone at TAU: 03-6409820
Fax: 03-6409403
E-mail: ayali@post.tau.ac.il
homepage:http://www.tau.ac.il/~ayali/

Research area:
Neuromodulation of neural circuits for behavior.

Current Research Topics:
The central pattern generator controling foregut movements in the locust and its role in feeding and moulting behavior. Growth patterns of locust CNS neurons in culture. The neural mechanisms underlying locust density dependent phase polymorphysm.

Methods and Techniques:
Electrophysiology; extracelular and whole cell intracellular recordings. Primary cell culture.

Bar-Nun, Shoshana
Phone at TAU: 03-6408984
Fax: 03-6415053
E-mail: sbnun@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Intracellular traffic. Molecular cell biology.

Current Research Topics:
Mechanisms for secretion. Sorting, retention and degredation of proteins.

Methods and Techniques:
Molecular cell biology. Immunodetection. Protein chemistry. Microscopy. Cell-free systems.

Barzilai, Ari
Phone at TAU: 03-6409782/ 7129
Fax: 03-6415053
E-mail: barzilai@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
The molecular mechanism of neuronal programmed cell death.

Current Research Topics:
The etiology of Parkinson's disease. Programmed cell death in cerebellar granular neurons.

Methods and Techniques:
Cell cultures. 2-D gels molecular biology.

Ben-Tal, Nir
Phone at TAU: 03-6406709
Fax: 03-6406834
E-mail: bental@ashtoret.tau.ac.il
URL: http://ashtoret.tau.ac.il

Current Research Topics:
1. Protein-membrane and peptide-membrane systems.
2. Intracellular signaling.
3. Molecular recognition in globular and membrane proteins.

Methods and Techniques:
Continuum solvent models; Poisson Boltzmann Equation; Monte Carlo simulations; A variety of tools for sequence and structure analysis.

Cohen, Sarit
Phone at TAU: 03-6409832
Fax: 03-6422046
E-mail: sarit@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Gene amplification. DNA replication. DNA tumor viruses. Tumor progression. Genomic instability.

Current Research Topics:
A molecular model for generation of inverted repeats during gene amplification using SV40.

Methods and Techniques:
Molecular biology. Biochemistry. Cellular biology - tissue culture.

Eilam, David
Phone at TAU: 03-6406471
Fax: 03-6406988
E-mail: eilam@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Behavioral Neuroscience

Current Research Topics:
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD); Animal models; Exploration and navigation in animals and humans; Postnatal development of behavior

Methods and Techniques:
Detailed and fine-grain analyses of behavior

Elroy-Stein , Orna
Dept of Cell Research & Immunology
Faculty of Life-Sciences
Phone at TAU: 03-6409153
UK Building Room 319
Fax: 03-6422046
E-mail: ornas@tauex.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Control of mRNA translation; Control of gene expression related to CNS myelin generation and maintenance

Current Research Topics:
eIF2B-related leukodystrophy: generation of KI mouse model and follow biochemical, cellular, structural and behavioral aspects of CNS myelin formation and maintenance.

Methods and Techniques:
Molecular cell biology, Molecular genetics, Knock-In mouse models, Microscopy, Cellular Biology, Live brain imaging (MRI), primary brain-derived cell cultures.

Golani, Ilan
Phone at TAU: 03-6409391
Fax: 03-6409403
E-mail: ilan99@post.tau.ac.ililan99@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Animal Behavior. Ethology motor control . Dynamic systems. Analysis of motor behavior.

Current Research Topics:
Exploratory behavior. Locomotion. Spatial memory. Cognitive maps. Play Behavior. Dynamic Systems. Analysis of locomotion.

Methods and Techniques:
Movement Notation Analysis. Kinematic analysis. Dynamic systems analysis.

Gothilf, Yoav
Telefax at TAU: 640-6329
E-mail: Yoavg@tauex.tau.ac.il
Research area:
Neuroendocrinology and the Circadian Clock in Fish

Current Research Topics:
1. Development, mechanism and entrainment of the circadian clock in zebrafish
2. Development of the GnRH systems in zebrafish.

Methods and Techniques: Molecular techniques including cloning, RNA detection and quantification. Hormone mesearments using immunoassays. Microinjection of DNA and RNA into zebrafish embryos.

Hefetz, Abraham
Phone at TAU: 03-5303773
Fax: 03-5353807
E-mail: hefetz@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Neuroendocrine control of reproduction in social insects

Current Research Topics:
modulations of neuroendocrine systems that control reproduction in bumble bees.

Henis, Yoav I.
Phone at TAU: 03-6409053
Fax: 03-6407643
E-mail: henis@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Combined biophysical and molecular biology approaches to study the dynamics, organization and interactions of membrane receptors and signaling proteins (Ras, Rac, Src) involved in cell proliferation and cancer at the surface of living cells.

Current Research Topics:
We combine laser-assisted fluorescence microscopy studies on receptor distribution and mobility at the cell surface with molecular biology approaches to express specific mutants of the receptors in live cells. The current systems and topics under study include:
(a) Mechanism of cell growth inhibition and anti-tumor activity of transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) receptors;
(b) Disruption of TGF-b signaling by oncogenic Ras proteins and its contribution to cancer;
(c) Biophysical studies on the interactions and anchorage of Ras, Rac and Src oncogenic proteins in the cell membrane;
(d) Receptor endocytosis, interactions with coated pit components, and role in signal termination.
Methods & Techniques:
Molecular biology techniques (site-directed mutagenesis for protein engineering, expression in transfected cells). Biophysical methods to measure their state in the live cell membrane (laser-assisted fluorescence photobleaching recovery) to directly measure the movement of receptors at the surface of living cells. Digital immunofluorescence microscopy to measure interactions between cell surface receptors directly at the plasma membrane. Biochemical and immunohistochemical assays to evaluate complex formation among receptors and other cellular proteins.

List of selected publications

Hochman, Ayala
Phone at TAU: 03-6409886, 6409553
Fax: 03-6491410
E-mail: ayalah@tauex.tau.ac.il

Research area:
The involvement of reactive oxygen species (oxygen free radicals) and antioxidants in apoptosis, in relation to neurodegenerative and other neuronal pathologies.

Current Research Topics:
(related to brain research) : Rescuing cells and neurons from apoptotic cell death mediated by dopamine and other neurotoxins. Contribution of apoptosis and oxidative stress to Alzheimers disease.

Methods and Techniques:
Tissue cultures, mice, rats and humans. Following apoptosis and oxidative stress by enzymatic assays, Western blot analysis, flowcytometry (FACS), confocal microscope, immunocytochemistry, and chemical quantitation of oxidative damage.

Kronfeld, Noga
Phone at TAU: 03-6405739, 5740
Fax: 03-6405739
E-mail: nogaks@tauex.tau.ac.il

Research area: Body mass regulation, circadian rhythms.
Current Research Topics:
1. The neural mechanism of daily rhythms and their plasticity in diurnal mammals.
2. The mechanisms underlying starvation induced hyper activity and its ecological and medical relevance.
3. Modulating affective responses by changing photoperiod in diurnal fat sand rats: Possible mechanisms and insights into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Methods and Techniques:
Various physiological and molecular biology techniques.

Lotem, Arnon
Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences
Phone at TAU: 03-6408381
Fax: 03-6409403
E-mail: lotem@post.tau.ac.il
URL: http://www.tau.ac.il/~lotem

Research area: Behavioral Ecology, Learning and Evolution

Current Research Topics:
Decision making in humans and animals; Evolution of learning strategies and social games; Mating behavior and speciation.

Methods and Techniques:
Combining theoretical (modeling and simulations) and experimental studies of behavior.

Michaelson, Daniel M.
Phone at TAU: 03-6409624
Fax: 03-6415053
E-mail: dmichael@post.tau.ac.ildmichael@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Alzheimer's disease. Neuroimmunology. Synaptic transmission. Neurodegeneration.

Current Research Topics:
APOE and neuronal maintenance and repair. Beta amyloid and tau. Serological Biomarkers.

Methods and Techniques:
Transgenic animals, cell culture and biochemistry.

Naor, Zvi
Phone at TAU: 03-6409032
Fax: 03-6415053
E-mail: naorzvi@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Signal transduction and mechanism of action of neurohormones and peptide hormones

Current Research Topics:
Mechanism of action of gonadotropin releasing hormone. Differential expression and properties of protein kinase C isoenzymes. Cross-talk and function of Ca++, protein kinase C and arachidonic acid metabolites during cell signaling.

Methods and Techniques:
Biochemistry. Cell biology. Molecular biology. Cell cultures. Receptor studies. Second messenger measurements. Kinase assay. Gene expression. List of selected publications

Nelson, Nathan
Phone at TAU: 03-6406017
Fax: 03-6406018
E-mail: nelson@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Neurotransmitter Transporters.

Current Research Topics:
Neurotransmitter Transporters.

Methods and Techniques:
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Oocyte expression, Electrophysiology, Structure.

Oron, Uri
Phone at TAU: 03-6409814
Fax: 03-6409814
E-mail: oronu@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Regeneration processes in skeletal muscle and bone. Muscle interaction. Functional anatomy of muscles.

Current Research Topics:
Effects of low energy lasers on regeneration in denervated and intact skeletal muscles following injury. Muscle adaptation.

Methods and Techniques:
Animal models in small mammals. Histomorphometry. Immunocytochemistry. Electron microscopy. Enzymatic activity.

Pinkas-Kramarski, Ronit
Phone at TAU: 640-6801
Fax: 640-7643
E-mail: lironit@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Growth factors function in the nervous system

Current Research Topics:
ErbB4 and neuregulin function in the nervous system and following head trauma. The role of ErbB-4 in neurons.

Methods and Techniques:
Immunohistochemistry, Westernblot, Northernblot, RT-PCR, Cell biology.

Segal, Daniel
Phone at TAU: 03-6409835
Fax: 03-6409407
E-mail: dsegal@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Drosophila molecular neurogenetics

Current Research Topics:
Molecular genetics of courtship behavior in Drosophila.

Methods and Techniques:
Genetics. Molecular biology. Biochemsitry. Physiology. Behavioral tests of courtship.

Shik, Mark
Phone at TAU: 03-6407390
Fax: 03-6409403
E-mail: mrkshik@post.tau.ac.il
homepage: http://www.tau.ac.il/~mrkshik

Research area:
Neurophysiology of movements. Control of locomotion. Interaction of neurons in the axial part of the central nervous system.

Current Research Topics:
Brainstem control of locomotion in Urodela.

Methods and Techniques:
Electrical Microstimulation of the brain. Monitoring of evoked discharges of single neurons in vivo.

Sokolovsky, Mordechai
Phone at TAU: 03-6409825
Fax: 03-6407643
E-mail: sokol@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Molecular receptology and signal transduction

Current Research Topics:
The endothelins. The muscarinic system. The NMDA receptors.

Solomon, Beka
Phone at TAU: 03-6409711
Fax: 03-6409407
E-mail: beka@post.tau.ac.il
Research area:
Immunodiagnostics. Immunotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies - molecular probes for protein conformation. Biochemistry of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Aluminium neurotoxicity.

Current Research Topics:
Prevention of pathological protein aggregation via site-specific monoclonal antibodies. Preparation of small engineered antibodies against P53, amyloid proteins, such as: (-amyloid peptide, prion peptides. Conformational protein diseases.

Methods and Techniques:
Immunological techniques. Immunohistochemistry. Biochemical techniques.

Stein, Reuven
Phone at TAU: 03-6408608
Fax: 03-6407643
E-mail: reuvens@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Molecular Neurobiology. Neuronal cell death. Alzheimer's disease.

Current Research Topics:
Neuronal cell death. Alzheimer's disease.

Methods and Techniques:
Molecular biology. Cell culture.

Stone, Lewi
Phone at TAU: 03-6409806
Fax: 03-6409403
E-mail: lewi@post.tau.ac.il

Research area: Theoretical biology

Current Research Topics:
Synchronization of complex ecological and biological systems

Methods and Techniques:
Mathematical and statistical modelling

Terkel, Joseph
Phone at TAU: 03-6409805
Fax: 03-6409403
E-mail: terkel@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Animal behaviour with emphasis on reproductive behaviour and communication.

Current Research Topics:
Behavioural ecology of subterranean rodents.

Methods and Techniques:
Various techniques for animal observation in laboratory and field.

Vardimon, Lily
Phone at TAU: 03-6407019
Fax: 03-6415053
E-mail: vardi@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:

Neural retina oncogenes in neural tissues. Glutamine synthetase gene. Signal transduction. Glia neuron cell contact. Neuronal cell death.

Current Research Topics: Molecular control of glutamine synthetase expression in glia cells. Role of glia-neuron contact interaction in gene control. Ischemic neural cell death.

Methods and Techniques:
Molecular and biochemical techniques.

Wollberg, Zvi
Phone at TAU: +972 3 6409124
Fax: +972 3 6407271
E-mail: zviw@tauex.tau.ac.il
URL: http://www.tau.ac.il/lifesci/zoology/members/zvicv.htm

Research area:
Sensory physiology, especially auditory system. Auditory communication. Cross modal neuroplasticity. Neuroethology. Our principal research interest focuses on the rerouting and reorganization of sensory brain areas as a result of congenital or induced blindness. Applying electrophysiological, structural, metabolic and projection tracing procedures, we have shown that primary visual areas in such blind animals are activated by auditory input, compensating most probably for the lack of vision. We have also shown how and where this take-over comes about.

Current Research Topics:
same as above

Methods and Techniques:
Electrophysiology. Projection tracing List of selected publications

Yaron, Zvi
Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences Norman and Rose Lederer Chair of Experimental Biology

Phone at TAU: 03-6409398
Fax: 03-6409403
E-mail: yaronz@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Comparative Endocrinology. Endocrinology of fish and reptilian reproduction. Hypothalamic regulation of pituitary hormones. Endocrine disruptors in the aquatic biosphere.

Current research topics:
Hypopthalamic regulation of gonadotropin subunit genes in fish. GnRH, PACAP and NPY signal transduction in fish. Involvement of MAPK. Regulation of pituitary GnRH receptor mRNA.

Methods and Techniques:
In vivoexperiments in fish. Pituitary primary culture, RIA, Gene expression Signal transduction techniques.

Zisapel, Nava
Phone at TAU: 03-6409611, 6407377
Fax: 03-6407643
E-mail: navazis@post.tau.ac.il

Research area:
Neuropharmacology, Neurobiology, hormones, Signal transduction

. Current Research Topics:
Melatonin, circadian rhythms and sleep; steroid receptors and their involvement in neuronal and brain function; Neuropharmacological approaches to the prevention and treatment of motor neuron diseases (SBMA; ALS).

Methods and Techniques:
In vivo and in vitro studies including Activity/rest measurements, Physiology, Tissue culture, Biochemistry, Cellular and molecular biology.

List of selected publications