Laboratory Profile
Principal Investigator: Oded Livnah
Recognition and Signaling – Studying critical biological processes in the
molecular and atomic levels. See. Believe. Comprehend.
Location: Office-Wolfson Centre, Room 10,
Lab- Silberman Wing 1, 6rd. floor Room 1-622
Communication:
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Email: oded.livnah@huji.ac.il
Phone: 02-6586894
Brief Description of Research: Signaling are key processes in cellular systems
which are extremely complex and intricate.
In our lab we study activation
processes in MAP kinases in order to understand the detailed features of the
changes required to activate molecules in the corresponding pathways. In addition,
we also study nuclear transport and the molecular vehicles responsible to these
processes. We also study molecular recognition and manipulation which includes
structure based design and manipulation of proteins.
Techniques used include: Structure determination via X-ray crystallography is
the leading technique in structure determination of biologically related
macromolecules. Yet the most important component is selecting and defining the
scientific question that will be resolved by the three-dimensional structure. In
addition we utilize molecular biology techniques of protein expression, site directed
mutagenesis and protein purification. To identify the characteristics of the proteins
we use biochemical and biological assay systems as well as techniques defining
biophysical properties as affinity (SPR, ITC) and themostability (DSC, CD).
Proposed Research Projects:
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Topic 1: Understanding alternative activation pathways of MAP kinases in T-cells.
Topic 2: Signaling induced by lipids.
Topic 3: Molecular aspects of nuclear transport.
Topic 4: High affinity systems: manipulations at the atomic level – new tools in
biotechnology.