University/research center affiliation:
Head, Sheba Cancer Research Center and Professor of Hematology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Djerassi Chair in Oncology.
What are your main research interests?
Cancer genomics, pediatric hematology, pediatric oncology and epitranscriptome research - the role of RNA modifications responsible for the control of gene expression.
My lab's main interest
lies in the deciphering of novel genetic and epigenetic mechanisms affecting global gene expression and their implication in cancer and neuronal disorders.
When did you realize you wanted to become a researcher?
After graduating from medical school and before starting a career as a doctor, I studied for my PhD, conducting my dissertation research at the Weizmann Institute. Throughout my career, I have always combined clinical work and research.
Why did you decide to focus on this field of study?
While conducting my dissertation, I discovered a genetic mechanism related to carcinogenic genes. I learned that revealing basic mechanisms for the control of gene expression contributes to key knowledge that may lead to practical applications for understanding, diagnosing and treating cancer and other diseases.
What excites you about your work?
I enjoy all the varied aspects. As a pediatric hematologist and oncologist, I help sick children, and every success brings great happiness. I meet amazing children and wonderful families. It is a great privilege to work with the staff in the Tel Hashomer Pediatric Hematology Oncology group and with the researchers and research students in the Sheba Cancer Research Center's laboratories. I learn from them every day, and am thrilled by their wisdom, their personalities and their dedication.
What challenges you?
Using the knowledge and tools that come from basic research to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. I love finding questions in the clinic that need to be answered and bringing them to the lab to find novel solutions.
What is the main contribution your research has made to the fight against cancer?
Our research in the field of epitranscriptomic research has revealed a new level of control of gene expression that has many important roles in the control of normal developmental processes and normal cellular function. Epitranscriptomic control disorders play an important role in disease processes in general, and in cancer in particular. Basic discoveries of our research group are being used today, in many academic labs and pharmaceutical companies, to develop innovative cancer treatments.
How has the Israel Cancer Research Fund played a role in your career?
The first research grant I received at the beginning of my research was from the Israel Cancer Research Fund. It allowed me to set up my lab and helped me establish a scientific career in tandem with my medical work. For years, I have volunteered as a member of the ICRF International Scientific Council, and so I am prohibited during this time from receiving research grants from ICRF. My compensation is the contribution of ICRF to Israeli cancer researchers, especially to young researchers.
If you had an unlimited budget, what would you research?
The next big research challenge is the development of methods to modify the expression of genes responsible for cancer and other diseases by creating synthetic RNA-based drugs. A significant budget will enable the quick and effective development of such new drugs which has not been possible so far.
What do people not know about cancer?
Many people do not know that our understanding of the cancer process, and the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms, is significant. There are many types of cancer. There has been great progress in our understanding, precise diagnosis and informed care. Two new research and treatment directions have recently emerged: targeted medicine based on genomic diagnosis and treatment based on enhancing the cancer-fighting capacity of the immune system. It will change much more in the near future —the way we treat and cure malignant diseases.
If you weren't researcher, what would you be?
I am both a researcher and a doctor. I would not want to do anything else.
Who is your inspiration?
I have and have had wonderful teachers of medicine such as Prof. Zvi Spirer and Prof. Bracha Ramot. In research, I learned from Prof. David Stall, under whose guidance I did my dissertation. I draw inspiration from my friends and students in research and in the clinical world, from the amazing children I treat, and family members of patients who show us what really matters in life. Keren, my spouse is a doctor, and our three boys are engaged in research and medicine. I learn from them and their spouses and enjoy them every day. They are my biggest inspiration.
What people don’t know about you?
My wonderful grandchildren are the greatest source of joy in my life.
Outside of the lab, what are your hobbies?
My grandchildren, tennis and basketball.
What advice would you give to early career researchers?
Believe in yourself, ask original questions, walk the unpaved road and do not be deterred by difficulties and skepticism.
