Meet the ICRF-supported scientists currently conducting research related to colorectal cancer, in addition to Professor Shamgar Ben Eliyahu of Tel Aviv University, who was featured in this month’s “ICRF Presents: Brilliant Minds” webinar (see below).

Michal Baniyash, PhD, an ICRF Research Professorship grantee at Hebrew University, is studying how uncontrolled inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can develop into colorectal cancer (CRC). She has found that an increase in harmful intestinal bacteria can cause chronic inflammation and prevent an immune system response. Using a mouse model of CRC, her lab demonstrated that treatment with a cocktail of antibiotics decreased the harmful bacterial strains, decreased inflammation, helped the immune system to function and intestinal tissue to recover, all leading to tumor regression. Her team is currently gathering data to try to identify a combination of immune and microbiome markers that may predict CRC development.

Sivia Barnoy, PhD, an ICRF Project Grant recipient at Tel Aviv University, is using cascade genetic screening, a process of identifying multi-generational blood relatives of people diagnosed with hereditary conditions, to identify people who are mutation carriers for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers and Lynch syndrome, the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer. She intends to add the Israeli results to the International Cascade Consortium Initiative with the ultimate goal of helping to optimize healthcare systems worldwide in preventing, managing and treating both healthy mutation carriers and cancer patients, and to improve quality and coordination of care, as well as early detection, survival, and overall quality of life.

Yehudit Bergman, PhD, another ICRF Research Professorship grantee at Hebrew University, is studying the epigenetic regulation of intestinal inflammation and cancer. Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are potentially reversible. In a recently published manuscript, the Bergman lab demonstrated that intestinal microbiota exposed to acute inflammation resulted in profound shifts in epigenetics and gene expression, leading to colitis and colon cancer-associated diseases.

Yonatan Stelzer, PhD, an ICRF Research Career Development Award recipient at the Weizmann Institute of Science, is also taking an epigenetic approach to colorectal cancer. Using a newly-developed mouse model, his lab is studying how an epigenetic mutation in the IGF2 gene within the small intestine may lead to colon cancer. Since epigenetic changes are, in principle, reversible, this study, and Dr. Bergman’s work above, may ultimately uncover new ways to fight and treat cancer.

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In response to the pandemic, their work now includes screening for geriatric depression using a smart mobile app, and measuring the resilience of health professionals in the Israel Defense Forces over time.

More than 40 guests joined the ICRF Women’s Advisory Council this month to sip and support groundbreaking cancer research with an intimate wine tasting at home. Guided by Certified Sommelier Donald Moffat of Zachy’s Wine & Liquor, the tasting highlighted several varieties of wines from the Mediterranean region, with a focus on Israel’s eclectic wine sector. The evening raised $5,000 in support of ICRF’s mission.

With a planned gift to the Israel Cancer Research Fund, you can leave a philanthropic legacy that will help those touched by cancer – now and for years to come. Whether you would like to put your donation to work today or in the future, there are a variety of opportunities for making a legacy commitment to ICRF. Please visit our website to learn how you can create a lasting impact on the future of cancer research.

ICRF Toronto is gearing up for its 19th Annual Women of Action Virtual Celebration, scheduled for April 18 at 11 am ET. Sponsored by The Gerald Sheff Shanitha Kachan Charitable Foundation, the much anticipated event will feature four honorees who will each receive special awards: Diane Francis, Carole Tanenbaum Women of Action Business Award; Sylvia Mantella, Ronda Green Women of Action Inspirational Award; Dr. Kelly Metcalfe, Wendy Lack Women of Action Scientific Award; and Laurie Sheff, Myra York Women of Action Community Award. Highlights include a conversation with Joan Lunden, longest running female host of Good Morning America and author of, Why Did I Come Into This Room? and special performances by Lily Librach, Canadian singer and musical theater performer. To register, please click here.