Laboratory of Molecular Dermatology
Established 1.5.09

Head of Laboratory: Emi Hodak M.D.

	Tel:	972-3-9376787
	Fax:	972-3-9211478
	E-mail:	hodake@post.tau.ac.il

Research Topics

• Studying the genetics, cell biology and immunology of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL).

  1. Genomics and Epigenomics in CTCL:
     • Identifying the pathogenetic mutations in familial CTCL.
     • MicroRNA profiling of early and advance MF (the most common forms of CTCL), and the role of specific onco-mir in the progression of MF.
     • RNA editing in the lymphoma cells of patients with Sezary syndrome- the leukemic version of CTCL.
  2. Immune profile of CTCL:
     • Characterizing the immunologic profile of the malignant and reactive lymphocytes in MF lesions.
  3. Drugs screening and new treatments for CTCL:
     • We found a new histone deacetylase inhibitory (HDACI) with selective activity on CTCL cell lines- to be tested further in a CTCL mouse model, and its mode of action.
     • New approach for treating CTCL- combination of HDACI with DNA damage inducing agents.
  4. Other skin diseases
     • Identifying the pathogenetic mutations in unique families with psoriasis.