Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences
Tel Aviv University
Professor Emerita Illana Gozes
Director, Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology
Research & Discoveries
Our laboratory focuses on how brain cells adapt and survive – studying neuronal plasticity and nerve cell protection in the context of disease. The laboratory takes a multidisciplinary, multi-level approach – from molecules to whole organisms – to investigate brain disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. It employs a broad range of techniques (molecular genetics, biochemistry, cell imaging, bioinformatics, and animal behavior studies) to explore how genetic mutations and cellular pathways impact learning, memory, and social behavior.
Among the laboratory’s key achievements is the discovery of the activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), an essential protein for brain development found to be mutated in an autism-related disability syndrome. Furthermore, the laboratory discovered and is developing its peptide derivative, NAP (davunetide), as a potential therapeutic now advancing to phase 3 clinical trials. Through these efforts, the laboratory ultimately aims to translate its scientific discoveries into novel therapies for currently incurable neurological conditions.
Recent Breakthroughs
![Professor Illana Gozes 2020 IG1-IMP_5941[2305843009214013322].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e95e3b_df9a8be0c4c14cd29f57742d9f5ec593~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_300,h_453,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Professor%20Illana%20Gozes%202020%20IG1-IMP_5941%5B2305843009214013322%5D.jpg)
Professor Illana Gozes, the Laboratory Director
Professor Emerita of Clinical Biochemistry
Past Incumbent the Lily and Avraham Gildor Chair for the Investigation of Growth Factors
Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry,
Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, School of Medicine
The Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University
VP Drug Development ExoNavis Therapeutics Ltd
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Molecular Neuroscience
President of the European Society for Neurochemistry (ESN)
Our team
Laboratory Manager
Dr. Eliezer Giladi
An experienced scientist whose expertise guides students confidently toward scientific discovery, while simultaneously ensuring smooth and efficient laboratory operations.
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PhD Student
Maram Ganaiem
Ph.D student at the laboratory with a major focus on the ADNP syndrome, targeting the effect of ADNP mutations on a variety of cellular activities. Major discoveries include interactions with key cellular proteins and regulation of nuclear-cytoplasmic boundaries through microtubule interaction, supported by the ADNP fragment drug candidate, NAP.
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PhD Student
Artur Galushkin
Artur's research focuses on uncovering the role of ADNP in the interplay between circadian disruption and Alzheimer’s disease. Artur's project is fully supported by the TClock4AD consortium within the Horizon Europe Marie SkÅ‚odowska-Curie Doctoral Networks.
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PhD Student
Alexandra Lobyntseva
Alexandra is pursuing a joint Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Nanomedicine at Tel Aviv University and the University of Santiago de Compostela, as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher under the Horizon Europe program.
The project is entitled “Nanocarriers for anti-Alzheimer siRNAs delivery to the brain”.
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Master's Student
Malak Salami
Master's student at the Sagol School of Neuroscience.
Master's Student
Jason Blatt
Master's student at the Sagol School of Neuroscience, with a background that bridges data science and clinical research. His work integrates data-driven approaches with neuroscience, drawing on experience in data analysis, machine learning, and research methodology.
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Master's Student
Maayan Shaulian
Master's student at the Sagol School of Neuroscierce. Her research project focuses on exosome-based therapies for neurological disorders with a focus on NAP and STXBP 1 syndrome.
Master's Student
Jenna Kirschner
Master's student at the Sagol School of Neuroscience.
Master's Student
Liri Guz
Liri's project focuses on researching the effects of NAP as a non-hormonal alternative to estrogen/testosterone therapy in protecting cognitive, motor, and bone health.
Master's Student
Eyal Artzi
Master's student at the Sagol School of Neuroscience.
Thank you for your interest in our research. Get in touch with us for any questions or comments regarding our work and publications.
+972-3-6407240
+972-3-6407240
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