We are currently investigating the composition of lipids in women undergoing fertility treatments and its connection to the success of treatment and the development of the egg and fetus. We also investigate the effect of metabolic changes on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells and placental stem cells

 

I did my doctoral studies under the guidance of Professor Rafi Meshulam and Professor Esti Shohami on the chemistry and pharmacology of frankincense - a wooden resin, which has been widely used medically and ceremonially for thousands of years in various traditions around the world. I isolated from the resin small molecules ("metabolites") of a fatty nature ("lipids"), which showed activity in behavioral tests in animals and even anti-inflammatory activity. The important place of metabolites and especially lipids in complex biological systems fascinates me. Changes in the composition of small molecules have important effects on developmental processes, disease, or even consciousness.

 

In my laboratory at the Hebrew University School of Pharmacy, we study metabolism and metabolic processes in their broadest sense, which includes changes in the concentration of metabolites in the cell, tissue or whole organism, as well as their activity. To this end, we combine innovative scientific tools with a systemic approach. Using image, we strive to see the individual trees as well as the forest, which allows for an understanding of broad processes, without losing the details. This approach, I have implemented in my laboratory, and in light of it, we are investigating changes in the composition of small molecules in a number of fascinating areas.

One of the salient features of the metabolites is their exceptional richness and versatility. It is customary to divide them into groups to deal with the many differences. One of the most important divisions of these substances is between lipids - oil-soluble substances and water-soluble substances. Lipids have complex structures, and many important biological activities, that have led us to focus on this group of substances.

 

We are also investigating the effect of metabolic changes on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells and placental stem cells. The embryo before rooting in a complex uterus is suitable for the ability to differentiate into all embryonic cells and placenta. We found a number of ways in which metabolic changes regulate cell differentiation and division and possibly even fetal development. Of the metabolic changes we have identified, a particularly interesting enzyme called PEMT, which converts one group of lipids to another group, shows activity in many and varied systems, such as the differentiation of developing embryonic cells. Much of our work now focuses on it. Interestingly, PEMT is also important in the development of cancerous tumors and we are researching it in this direction as well and trying to harm the tumor and its development.

We hope that our findings will lead to deeper insights into the effect of lipid metabolism on fetal development and help many couples in need of fertility treatment by finding markers for normal egg and fetal development and by improving a metabolic environment that supports fetal development.