The Lautenberg Center for
Immunology and Cancer Research
THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM
Research Update 2013
A Message From
Professor Eitan Yefenof
The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Dear Friends,
I
am pleased to share Research Update 2013
of the Lautenberg Center for Immunology
and Cancer Research at The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem. This report outlines
projects conducted by each of our research
groups and describes activities of the
Lautenberg Center.
Our scientific investigations cover a spectrum of
topics in cellular and biochemical immunology,
molecular cell biology and genetics, cancer
biology and immunology, the biology of
autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders,
immunogenetics and transplantation immunity.
Although the specific research projects vary,
the Lautenberg Center achieves a high degree
of integration of its efforts through constant
interactions between research teams. Additional
activities include weekly seminars, discussion
groups, a journal club, research planning and
data analysis meetings.
The Lautenberg Center has achieved international recognition as a major center for
research and instruction in immunological
science. Organized into several independent
but closely collaborating research units,
Lautenberg Center scientific teams pursue
a multifaceted program of investigation in
tumor immunology, transplantation immunology, and basic cellular and molecular
Photos courtesy of Patricia Alvarado Nuñez / www.graziosopictures.com
immunology. More than 1,000 scientific
articles have been published by top researchers
at the Lautenberg Center.
In addition to conducting graduate studies
and engaging in pioneering research, the
Lautenberg Center provides clinical services
and consultations to hospitals in Israel, especially through its affiliated Tissue Typing Unit.
A special highlight is the Lautenberg Center’s
annual three-day retreat where researchers
present their current studies for group
evaluation and exchange ideas and information.
A vital aspect of our work entails educating new
generations of scientific leaders and researchers.
We are at the nexus of an international network
of scientific endeavors. Many of our graduate
students and post-doctoral fellows come from
abroad. Senior scientists from other institutions
present lectures and participate in our research
programs. Our scientists engage in collaborative
research efforts with colleagues at Hadassah
Medical Center and other leading hospitals,
universities and research centers. The Lautenberg
Center’s members organize symposia, workshops and advanced training courses in Israel
and abroad. These international research
connections are essential to the progress of
science and medicine.
Our scientific endeavors focus on basic
research. Nonetheless, we keep before
us the clinical implications of our studies,
providing the impetus for subsequent
clinical investigations in conjunction with
medical units in Israel and other countries.
Our goal is to combat cancer and manage
other life-threatening diseases.
I would like to thank the many friends
and benefactors of the Lautenberg Center.
Your ongoing commitment is of the
utmost importance and helps to assure the
high quality of research performed by the
Lautenberg Center’s scientific teams.
Sincerely,
Eitan Yefenof
Professor and Chairman
The Lautenberg Center for Immunology
and Cancer Research
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
1
Understanding the Function of
Tumor Suppressors Involved in Cancer
PROFESSOR RAMI I. AQEILAN
M
ounting evidence strongly suggests
that when the body’s natural methods
for fighting tumors stop working,
the result is not only the development and
progression of cancers, but also a loss of
response in cancer patients to radiation and
chemotherapeutic drug treatments. Therefore
(L-R) Dr. Zaidoun Salah, Suhaib Abdeen, Ortal Iancu,
Professor Rami Aqueilan and Mohannad Abu Remileh
Professor Aqeilan’s team has been
deciphering the function of tumor
suppressor pathways and exploring
the possibility of activating these
pathways in cancer cells.
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THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
The Healing Element is Also the Enemy:
An Enigma Discovered in the Course of Chronic Inflammation
PROFESSOR MICHAL BANIYASH
understanding the molecular and cellular
function of tumor suppressor genes (pathways)
is essential for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
In Professor Aqeilan’s lab, the focus has been
on deciphering the function of tumor suppressor pathways and exploring the possibility of
activating these pathways in cancer cells. One
such tumor suppressor pathway, which is
called the Hippo pathway, regulates cellular
proliferation and survival; it has profound
effects on normal cell fate and tumor generation. The prevalence of specific protein
elements, named WW domains, in the Hippo
pathway has led to the discovery that it can be
regulated by these selfsame proteins.
The team has begun studying one of these
genes (WWOX), which encodes a tumor
suppressor. Recent studies have shown that
various cancers, including breast cancer,
demonstrate a reduced or absent WWOX
function and that the WWOX tumor suppressor gene plays a large role in preventing tumor
generation in breast cancer.
Recently, Professor Aqelian begun to explore
a novel group of genes known as micro-RNAs
and their involvement in the metastatic spread
of breast and bone cancers. His studies
indicate that suppression of such genes may
slow down the progression of these diseases.
O
ne of the characteristic features of
patients suffering from diseases such
as autoimmune disorders (diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis), chronic infections
(HIV, leprosy) and cancer, is the presence of
chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation
is a necessary protective attempt by the body
to initiate the healing process specifically as a
result of the persistence of such diseases.
Unfortunately one of the natural outcomes
of this prolonged bodily reaction is immunosuppression, whereby the normal immune
response is interrupted. Hence, the healing
element is also the enemy in those diseases.
Professor Baniyash’s research has focused on
discovering natural biomarkers that could be
used to evaluate the patients’ immune status
and inflammatory stage. These biomarkers
can be detected in the laboratory by a simple
blood test, with results rapidly available for
analysis. Clinical results have been obtained
with regard to diabetes sufferers as well.
Professor Baniyash’s team believes that these
biomarkers can be used to predict future complications, evaluate therapy efficacy and trace
the regression or recurrence of a disease. Such
advances could feasibly allow for an intelligent
selection of the timing for patient treatments.
Moreover, biomarkers may indicate a specific
treatment that could be most effective for the
patient. This knowledge will improve patient
quality of life and dramatically reduce the high
expenses needed for treating the complications characterizing these chronic diseases
in their late stages.
The most encouraging preliminary data
indicate that the detection of low levels of the
biomarkers in diabetes patients could actually
predict a heart attack within a year.
(L-R) Dr. Lynn Wang and Professor Michal Baniyash
Research has focused on discovering
natural biomarkers that could be used
to evaluate a patient’s immune status
and stage of inflammation. These biomarkers may be used to predict future
complications, evaluate therapies and
trace the regression or recurrence of
a disease.
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
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3
New Perspectives on Inflammation
and Its Role in Cancer Development
PROFESSOR YINON BEN-NERIAH
P
rofessor Ben-Neriah’s work focuses
on the study of mammalian signaling
cascades, which is the sequence of
events within a cell that are initiated by
contact of a molecule with the cell membrane.
His main research goal has involved the interplay between innate immunity, inflammation
and cancer.
In a series of studies, Professor Ben-Neriah
demonstrated that chronic inflammation
is a strong factor in the development of
certain cancers. Intake of non-steroidal
DR. MICHAEL BERGER
anti-inflammatory drugs is an effective
method for prevention of these cancers.
Professor Ben-Neriah recently expanded his
field of study to include the tumor suppressor
p53 pathway. In response to a plethora of
stress conditions, p53 becomes activated. In its
activated state it can drive a variety of cell fate
changes, including programmed cell death.
The importance of p53 in tumor suppression
is highlighted by the fact that it is mutated in
more than half of all human tumors, making it
in all probability the most frequently mutated
gene in human cancer.
The team is gaining an understanding of how
p53 shapes the ongoing relationship between
the cells covering all internal and external
surfaces of the body (epithelial cells) and
tumor-surrounding cells. They examine what
part it plays in tissue injury and repair and
whether it has a role in the development of
epithelial cells. This is important insofar as
current knowledge is limited regarding the
normal function of p53 in epithelial tissues.
(L-R) Professor Yinon Ben-Neriah and Dr. Naama Kanarek,
a post-doctoral fellow at MIT and former Lautenberg Center
researcher, have worked on a therapy to alleviate mucositis,
an intestinal inflammation that can affect patients
undergoing chemotherapy.
Professor Ben-Neriah’s team
explores the interplay between
innate immunity, inflammation
and cancer.
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THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
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Lymphocytes Quiescence in Immunity
and Leukemia Development
Professor Ben-Neriah recently completed
significant research on miRNA’s, a substance
that performs a similar function to DNA,
by demonstrating their role with regard to
specific epithelial cells called goblet cells.
Goblet cells are responsible for the production
of mucus, which is a key component of the
immune system. His work represents the first
time that a specific miRNA has been implicated in an anti-parasite immune response and
highlights its role in goblet cell development
and function.
T
-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
(T-ALL) is an aggressive form of cancer
that is mostly found in the white blood
cells of children. Despite significant recent
improvements that have been made in the
treatment of T-ALL, approximately 20% of
children and most adult sufferers will eventually die from the disease. This means that the
identification of new therapeutic approaches is
crucial in order to improve the outcome.
Dr. Berger’s recent discovery of a mutant
mouse with a defective SLFN2 gene, (called
‘elektra’), has enabled his team to assign a role
for this gene in the maintenance of T lymphocyte quiescence. This is a state in which cells
temporarily cease to grow, while simultaneously remaining responsive to activating stimuli and resistant to apoptosis (programmed
cell death).
Their recent findings demonstrated that the
loss of T-cell quiescence in the case of the elektra mutation leads to irregular development
of the cell, whereby T-cells lose their renewal
capabilities and eventually undergo apoptosis.
The elektra mutation protected the mice from
developing an experimental disease similar to
T-ALL.
These results suggest that SLFN2 gene loss
of function can prevent the growth of preleukemic T-cells and therefore has the potential
to prevent T-ALL development. The laboratory plans to study the mechanism by which
SLFN2 enforces quiescence in T-cells and
further investigate the role of other quiescence genes in the development of the disease.
(L-R) Dr. Michael Berger, Ibrahim Omar and Eleanor Rachi
Their findings may highlight new approaches
for treating T-ALL by targeting genes that
regulate T-cell quiescence. This data will help
scientists to formulate future molecular tools
for treating T-ALL and similar diseases.
Researching the mechanism of
a defective gene leads Dr. Berger’s
team to a better understanding of
how preleukemic T-cells’ growth can
be prevented.
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
5
Novel A3G Properties:
Impeding the Production of HIV-1
Promising New Approaches
to Cancer Therapy
PROFESSOR MOSHE KOTLER
T
he goal of modern virology is to identify
new ways to thwart lethal viral diseases,
such as HIV. This has involved the
search for new vaccines, the development
of antiviral drugs and the quest to enhance
human immunity. Research has also aimed to
uncover the factors essential for virus propagation and to develop virus-based treatments
that can be utilized in gene therapy.
Deamination is the removal of an amine group
from a molecule. It is a naturally occurring
reaction in the body. Enzymes which catalyze
this reaction are called deaminases. Professor
Kotler’s laboratory has been studying these
enzymes, in particular, APOBEC3G (A3G),
which impedes the production of infectious
(L-R) Edan Kenig, Nadya Gytkovitch, Or Faigenbaum,
Roni Nowarski, Diana Emily and Professor Moshe Kotler
Professor Kotler’s team is studying
how a particular enzyme impedes the
production of infectious viral particles
like HIV-1, as well as the role the
enzyme plays in lymphoma.
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THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
PROFESSOR ALEXANDER LEVITZKI
HIV-1 particles. One aspect of his work has
been to demonstrate how HIV-1 and other
similar slow-acting viruses overcome the action of the deaminase enzymes, using their viral infectivity factor (Vif). This protein targets
deaminase enzymes for cellular degradation,
which leads to their destruction.
Professor Kotler has also investigated A3G’s
connection to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. His team found that their presence
can affect the production of AG3. Lautenberg
Center scientists are now preparing to assess
whether the increased level of active A3G can
inhibit the propagation of viruses such as HIV.
Another aspect of Professor Kotler’s work on
A3G has been to investigate its role in the
high rate of lymphoma occurrence and associated death, which has doubled over the past
60 years. Ionizing radiation is radiation composed of particles that individually can liberate
an electron from an atom or molecule.
Ionization can produce free radicals, which
are atoms or molecules containing unpaired
electrons. These tend to be especially chemically reactive and cause biological damage.
Ionizing radiation in the environment comes
from naturally occurring radioactive materials
and cosmic rays, but is also used medically in
radiotherapy. Professor Kotler has found that
ionizing irradiation results in A3G being recruited to lymphoma cells, where it promotes
their repair. His work suggests that inhibition
of A3G would render lymphoma cells more
susceptible to the effects of radiotherapy and
chemotherapy.
P
rofessor Levitzki’s laboratory has been
exploring a variety of ways to track and
ultimately prevent cancer development
and spread. The surfaces of cancer cells have
special proteins called receptors that are the
key to cancer cell proliferation. The ability
to target and inhibit their
activity can lead to an
overall inhibition of the
spread of cancer cells. One
method of achieving this
goal has been the development of chemical vectors,
or carriers that can target these receptors.
Professor Levitzki’s research was featured
in Clinical Cancer Research (March 2011).
Progress has also been made in Professor
Levitzki’s lab regarding inhibiting the action
of receptor proteins that play a key role in
promoting tumor growth and metastasis. This
progress, especially concerning ways to inhibit
the spread of melanoma and ovarian cancer,
has led to the submission of several patents for
the newly developed inhibitors.
With the support of the German Cancer
Institute, the human papilloma virus has been
used by Lautenberg Center scientists to follow
the gradual transformation of normal cells
into cancer cells. This research has uncovered
certain fundamental rules that this process
follows. New findings can help establish
biomarkers for early diagnosis of skin cell
cancers, and thus help in early treatment.
Professor Levitzki and his colleagues have
also discovered an entirely new family of
anti-inflammatory agents that are highly
effective against common complications
arising from stem cell and bone marrow
transplants. These new agents compare
favorably to those currently in use as they do
not depress the overall immune system. The
most active of these compounds can be made
in a form that will penetrate the skin and can
be used as a treatment for psoriasis.
Professor Alexander Levitzki, recipient of the 2005 Wolf Prize
for Medicine and winner of the American Association for
Cancer Research 2013 Award for Outstanding Achievement
in Cancer Research
Professor Levitzki’s research has led to
the development of successful receptor
protein inhibitors which prevent
melanoma and ovarian cancer tumor
growth and metastasis.
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
7
Natural Killer (NK) Cell Biology
Boosting the Immune System
CD44 as a Potential Therapeutic Target
PROFESSOR OFER MANDELBOIM
N
atural killer (NK) cells are part of the
body’s natural immune system and play
an essential role in the killing of virusinfected cells, tumors, bacteria and
parasites. They recognize their specified
targets by using a panel of killer receptors.
The killing of healthy cells is prevented by
another type of receptors called inhibitory
receptors. Thus, the targeted killing of a
particular cancer cell or other ‘enemy’ by NK
cells is determined by signals derived from the
inhibitory and the killer NK cell receptors.
Considering the importance of NK cells to
the body’s natural defenses, it is not surprising
that viruses and tumors have developed several
mechanisms to interfere with an NK cell
attack. Professor Mandelboim and his team
directed their efforts toward understanding
how viruses manage to avoid an NK cell
attack. Their work has resulted in 13 scientific
articles published in leading journals such as
PLOS Pathogens (August, 2013). Their findings included important discoveries concerning polyoma viruses and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the Herpes
virus family.
PROFESSOR DAVID NAOR
There are two human polyoma viruses called
JCV and BKV that are present in 65-90%
of humans, but they only cause severe illness
under immunosuppressive conditions. It is
not currently known how these viruses escape
detection and elimination by the immune
system. Professor Mandelboim’s findings have
led him to propose that both JCV and BKV
target a particular protein recognized by one
of the killer receptors, thereby reducing the
ability of NK cells to kill virus-infected cells.
In this way polyoma viruses can remain latent
in the body without being eliminated by the
immune system.
Professor Mandelboim recently discovered a
new function of NK cells in targeting bacteria
during infection. Bacteria evolved to express
molecules that protect them against NK
attack. Such molecules may help cancer
cells to evade NK killing and therefore may
become targets for cancer therapy in the future.
P
rofessor Naor’s team has focused its
recent research efforts on investigating
trafficking molecules, which are proteins
that support the movement or, “trafficking,”
of cells around the body in both normal
conditions and in disease. Cells move, for
example, if they are involved in a response
to an infection or a broken bone; they may
move to the site of the infection or breakage.
Cancerous cells move to spread the disease
throughout the body. Professor Naor’s
research into two proteins, CD44 and
RHAMM, has shown that if a genetic defect
causes CD44 to be absent, RHAMM acts as a
‘spare wheel,’ replacing the missing molecule.
CD44 is not a single molecule. Genetic
maneuvers, called alternative splicing, generate
multiple versions of this molecule. Professor
Naor’s work has led him to suggest that the
CD44 versions that are produced in normal
cells are different from those produced in
pathological cells. His team then generated
Professor Ofer Mandelboim, recipient of a prestigious
European Research Council (ERC) grant
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
The clinical feasibility of a human version
of this antibody is currently being examined.
CD44 is a potential therapeutic target whenever the type of CD44 produced by pathological
cells is unique to such cells.
Targeting the CD44 in diabetic mice markedly reduced the activity of Type 1 diabetes
by preventing the movement of inflammatory
cells into the pancreatic islets, where insulin
is produced.
Professor Naor and his team hope to develop
other disease-specific CD44 antibodies to block
the migration of inflammatory or cancer cells.
Professor Naor and his team are
attempting to develop disease-specific
antibodies that can block the migration
of inflammatory or cancer cells.
Professor Mandelboim’s research
involves studying how particular
proteins assist viruses in evading the
body’s natural defences.
8
antibodies specific to the CD44 version
produced by the inflammatory cells that
destroy the bone and cartilage in the joints
of rheumatoid arthritis patients. These
antibodies killed the joint inflammatory cells
without damaging normal cells.
(Standing L-R) Dr. Ariel Ginzberg, Talya Weiss, and Natali Assayag.
(Seated L-R) Robert Reiner and Professor David Naor
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
9
Development of Improved Vaccines
Based on Liposomes
PROFESSOR ELI KEDAR
P
harmaceutical formulation is the process
in which different chemical substances,
including the active drug, are combined
to produce a final medicinal product which
is both stable and
acceptable to the
patient. For the past
decade, Professor Eli
Kedar has focused
on the development
of new formulations,
using liposomes.
Liposomes are artificially prepared vesicles mainly comprised of
a thin membrane made of two layers of lipid
molecules. Professor Kedar, working in collaboration with Professor Yechezkel Barenholz
of the Department of Biochemistry at The
Professor Kedar and his team are
developing pharmacological agents
that are added to vaccines to increase
and aid their effects and benefits.
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THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
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Characterizing Inflammatory Links
in Liver Cancer
PROFESSOR ELI PIKARSKY
Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine,
is spearheading ways to enhance vaccines.
The function of these liposomal formulations
is twofold. They act as a physical carrier for
vaccines which serve to prevent the negative
effects of potentially dangerous bacteria and
viruses. They also act as adjuvants, enhancing
the effects of both current and hopefully
future vaccines.
Studies have been successfully conducted
against known diseases, such as anthrax and
hepatitis B, while clinical trials in conjunction
with the influenza vaccine have demonstrated
the benefits of liposomal vaccines.
This groundbreaking pharmaceutical and
medical research has been passed on to a
local vaccine company called NasVax.
T
he link between inflammation and cancer
is well established, yet the underlying
molecular mechanisms remain unresolved. As tumors progress, they modulate
inflammatory cells so that they begin to
actually promote tumor growth.
Professor Pikarsky’s team has shown that these
inflammatory cells determine the shape and
function of parenchymal epithelial cells, which
are the cells lining the functional areas of
the body’s organs. Professor Pikarsky has
therefore hypothesized that these two-way
interactions lie at the heart of the link between
inflammation and cancer.
Several strategies have been employed in
his laboratory to analyze the changes that
occur in inflammatory cells before and after
tumor emergence. Preliminary findings
demonstrate that changes in inflammatory
cells precede the promotion of tumor growth.
Having drawn upon earlier findings that a
recurring tumor-producing DNA sequence
drives cancerous progression through changes
within the cell, Professor Pikarsky is working
to identify additional similar DNA sequences
in order to define the key effectors of its local
environment in the cell. Of special interest are
cell interactions that play key roles in cancer
initiation and progression, since these would
be ideal therapeutic targets: they are easily
accessible and less likely to undergo mutational selection.
Although earlier research suggested that
certain proteins (such as NFkB) involved in
(L-R) Researcher David Knigin and Professor Eli Pikarsky
creating a matching RNA copy of a sequence
of DNA (transcription) were also involved in
the promotion of tumor growth, various
studies indicated a contrary theory: in fact,
they worked against such growth. Professor
Pikarsky’s work has solved this paradox by
suggesting the importance of time and context. His finding has demonstrated a new role
for NFkB in the regulation of DNA repair,
which is inherently linked to its ability to
suppress tumors.
Realizing that a fatty liver disease is a major
cause of liver cancer, the Pikarsky lab is
studying why fatty change in the liver induces
inflammation in some individuals, increasing
liver cancer risk, while in other individuals,
the disease remains inactive.
Professor Pikarsky’s group is working
to identify the underlying molecular
mechanisms linking inflammation
and tumor growth.
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
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11
Steroid Therapy for Blood Cancers:
Molecular Basis and Suggestions for Improvement
PROFESSOR EITAN YEFENOF
C
ortisone is a hormone of the glucocorticoid (GC) family and is often used
in treating rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases and cancer. GCs’ primary
effectiveness lies in their ability to kill the cells
by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).
However, studies have revealed that certain
cancers have begun to show resistance toward
GC-induced apoptosis.
Professor Eitan Yefenof
Professor Yefenof’s team is studying
the efficacy of cortisone-based
hormonal treatments for autoimmune
diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and
cancer — as well as addressing the
troubling development of strains of
resistance to these treatments.
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THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
At first, it was thought that GC-induced
apoptosis only affected the nucleus of the
targeted cell. Professor Yefenof’s laboratory
has hypothesized and found evidence that the
GCs cause apoptosis in other ways as well.
Keeping with this hypothesis, his team
observed that GCs also affected the mitochondria (the part of the cell responsible for
energy production) of cells that were found
to be sensitive to its effects. This may therefore be connected to GCs’ ability to cause
apoptosis. Another significant development
was the team’s uncovering of the importance
of a cellular enzyme called GSK in inhibiting
the effects of GC-induced apoptosis in
cancerous cells.
In a recent study the Yefenof lab team
found that some micro-RNA molecules
bestow resistance to GC induced death,
making them potential targets for improving
GC-based therapy.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem generates
one-third of Israel’s research and conducts approximately 4,000
ongoing research projects each year, with many innovations
patented through Yissum, Hebrew University’s technology transfer
company. The university has been ranked 12th worldwide in
biotechnology patent filings and research development by the
Milken Institute of Los Angeles.
The 2013 Rabbi Shai Shacknai Prize Lectureship
T
he 33rd Rabbi Shai Shacknai Prize
Lectureship took place on February
17-18, 2013, at The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem. The prize was awarded to Nobel
laureate, Dr. Bruce Beutler from the University
of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, for his
outstanding contributions to the field of
innate immunity.
Dr. Beutler presented two lectures on
Mammalian Immunity to members of
The Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine
and visitors from other institutions and
hospitals in Israel.
The lectureship was preceded by a ceremony
dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Shai
Shacknai and the contributions of Senator
Frank Lautenberg (z’l).
In Memoriam
Senator Frank R. Lautenberg
T
he faculty, staff and students of the
Lautenberg Center mourn the passing
of Senator Frank Lautenberg (z’l),
our founder, supporter and friend for more
than forty years.
An outstanding personality in the general
and Jewish communities in the United States,
Frank Lautenberg of Cliffside Park, New
Jersey, provided a major impetus to the
development of immunological science at The
Hebrew UniversityHadassah Medical
School by
facilitating the
creation of its
Department of
Immunology and
Cancer Research.
and unstinting effort on behalf of the Jewish
community worldwide. He served with distinction as Chairman and President of the United
Jewish Appeal, as President of American Friends
of The Hebrew University, and as an active
member of the Board of the Jewish Agency.
His life was devoted to cultural, charitable and
medical causes.
Senator Frank Lautenberg was a highly effective
public servant and leader. In November 1982, he
was elected to the Senate of the United States
and re-elected in 1988 and 1994. After a brief
retirement, he was elected once again to the
Senate, where he served until his passing on
June 3, 2013.
Frank Lautenberg shall be remembered as a
leader, humanitarian, philanthropist and proud
member of the global Jewish community.
In recognition of his
exemplary generosity
and unwavering commitment, the Department of Immunology was
renamed The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research.
Senator Lautenberg’s commitment to public
service on a broad range of issues and his
involvement with Jewish affairs and the State of
Israel was distinguished by his breadth of vision
(L-R) Dr. Bruce Beutler, Professor Eitan Yefenof, Dr. Michael Berger
and Professor Eran Leitersdorf, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine
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THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
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Senator Lautenberg visits the Lautenberg Center accompanied
by his wife Bonnie Lautenberg, and (L-R) Senator Robert P. Casey,
Senator Edward Kaufman and Congressman Timothy Walz
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
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15
The James Sivartsen Prize
in Pediatric Cancer Research
T
he fifth James Sivartsen Prize in
Pediatric Cancer Research was awarded
at a special ceremony on July 29, 2013.
The ceremony was attended by researchers
and students from The Hebrew University
and Hadassah Medical School.
The James Sivartsen Prize in Pediatric Cancer
Research has been awarded annually since
2009 to a Hebrew University graduate student
who is conducting the most innovative work
applicable to the field of pediatric cancer
research.
Doctoral Candidates Who Completed Their
Studies at The Lautenberg Center, 2012 - 2013
The Densen Family from Summit, New
Jersey, long-standing supporters of the
Lautenberg Research Center, established
the Sivartsen Prize in honor of their friend,
James Sivartsen, who passed away in August
2003 at the age of 20, after a valiant struggle
with rhabdomyosarcoma. An address written
by Arielle Densen, a trustee of the Sivartsen
Foundation, was delivered during the 2013
Sivartsen Prize ceremony.
This year’s Sivartsen Prize recipient was
Sara Del Mare, who was recognized for her
pioneering studies on the role of WWOX
tumor suppressor in osteogenic sarcoma.
The keynote speaker at the Sivartsen Prize
ceremony was Professor Varda Rotter from
the Weizmann Institute of Science. She spoke
on the topic: Can p53 Secure the Genomic
Fidelity of Stem Cells?
In addition to its preeminence as a research center, the Lautenberg Center
educates and trains new generations of scientific and medical leaders.
Elad Horowitz completed his doctoral degree
and is a researcher in the R&D Department
of Silenseed, a start-up biotech company.
His dissertation is titled, A recurrent genomic
amplification in hepatocellular carcinoma
regulates the tumor microenvironment
and marks tumors sensitive for VEGF-A
inhibition.
Nathalie Assayag-Asherie completed her
doctoral degree with excellence and is
continuing her post-doctoral research
with Professor David Naor. Her dissertation
is titled Involvement of the CD44 Molecule
in Type 1 diabetes of NOD Mice.
Raizy Gruda completed her dissertation,
NK cell function in human genetic immune
deficiencies and graduated with a prize in
excellence from The Hebrew University
Faculty of Medicine. Raizy is studying for
her exams to become a medical doctor and
will begin residency at Hadassah Hospital.
(L-R) Professor Eitan Yefenof and Professor Eran Leitersdorf
award the James Sivartsen Prize to Ms. Sara Del Mare
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THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
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Shulamit Kfir Ehrenfeld completed her
dissertation, Overcoming lymphoma
and lymphoid leukemia resistance to
glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis: Role
of the kinome and micro-RNAs and
will pursue post-doctoral research at
the Lautenberg Center.
Roni Nowarski completed his Ph.D
degree with excellence. His dissertation
relates to Hypermutation Mechanism
and Cellular Function of the Antiviral
Cytidine Deaminase APOBEC3G.
Guy Brachya completed his dissertation on,
Casein Kinase I alpha dependent regulation of
haematopoietic stem cells and will begin his
post-doctoral studies at the Lautenberg Center.
Gili Halfteck completed her doctoral degree
dissertation The role of NKp46 in the recognition and eradication of lymphoma tumors.
Gili is working as a doctor at Shaare-Zedek
Hospital and will begin residency in Radiology
at Hadassah Hospital.
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
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The Lautenberg Center Annual Retreat 2013
T
he Annual Retreat of the Lautenberg
Center was held on May 26-28,
2013, at Kibbutz Nachsholim in
northern Israel. Students and post-doctoral
fellows presented their research projects in
roundtable discussions.
Dr. Carlo Croce from the University of
Ohio served as guest speaker and offered
his insights and comments on the research
presented by Lautenberg Center students.
Dr. Croce lectured on The causes and
consequences of MicroRNa dysregulation
in cancer and MicroRNAs in CLL.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
T
he Hebrew University of Jerusalem
was founded in 1918 by Albert Einstein,
Sigmund Freud, Martin Buber, Chaim
Weizmann and other visionaries. Since
opening its doors in 1925, The Hebrew
University has contributed to Israel’s strength
and educated the nation’s leaders in every
field. Approximately 23,000 students from
Israel and 70 additional countries choose
Hebrew University for its seven academic
Faculties, which are located on four campuses.
The Hebrew University generates one-third
of Israel’s research and conducts approximately
4,000 ongoing research projects each year,
with many innovations patented through
Yissum, Hebrew University’s technology
transfer company.
In 2013, Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s
independent Academic Ranking of World
Universities (ARWU) placed The Hebrew
University 59th among the top academic and
research institutions worldwide. The ARWU
placed The Hebrew University 17th worldwide on the basis of the number of Nobel
laureates and Fields Medal recipients among
its alumni and faculty.
Hebrew University faculty and alumni
also have been honored with prestigious
Wolf Prizes, Israel Prizes, the Mathematical
Neuroscience Prize, and the Canada Gairdner
International Awards, among other forms
of academic and research distinction.
Dr. Carlo Croce
At Right: Faculty, staff and students
at the Annual Retreat at Kibbutz
Nachsholim
Excellence in teaching
Hebrew University students
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“Greening” Israel
Founder Albert Einstein
THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
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American Friends of The Hebrew University
A
merican Friends of The Hebrew
University (AFHU) is a national,
not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization
that provides programs, events and fundraising
activities in support of The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, Israel’s foremost center of higher
education and research.
Founded by American philanthropist,
Felix M. Warburg in 1925, AFHU and its
network of supporters from coast to coast,
have played a vital role in The Hebrew
University’s rise to international prominence.
Forging a meaningful partnership between
the American people and the people of Israel,
AFHU helps to ensure Israel’s well-being by
nurturing the nation’s greatest asset: the
intellectual strength of its people.
Lucille M. Amster at the Wall of Benefactors, June 2013
Photo courtesy of Patricia Alvarado Nuñez / www.graziosopictures.com
American and international friends attend The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Board of Governors meeting and annual convocation
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THE LAUTENBERG CENTER FOR IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER RESEARCH
RESEARCH UPDATES 2013
American Friends of
The Hebrew University
One Battery Park Plaza, 25th Floor
New York, NY 10004
212.607.8500
www.afhu.org