yifat Narinsky

How gut bacteria shape social behavior—and how we might fix it

This study shows that an unhealthy gut can affect social behavior. Mice with disrupted gut bacteria developed inflammation, “leaky gut,” and social difficulties. Treatments that reduce inflammation or strengthen the gut helped restore both gut health and social behavior, suggesting the gut plays a key role in how we act.

Using Lab-Grown Tumors to Personalize Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, and current treatments don't always work the same for everyone. One big challenge is that doctors often don't know in advance which chemotherapy will be most effective for each patient.

How a Ketone Molecule (β-Hydroxybutyrate) Affects Breast Cancer Cells

A popular diet called the ketogenic diet (high fat, low carbs) causes the body to produce ketone bodies, which are natural energy sources. One of them, β-hydroxybutyrate (βHb), may affect how cancer cells behave.

β-hydroxybutyrate as a regulator of Breast Cancer cells metabolism and oncogenicity

Dr. Elemeleh Nesher Dr. Igor Koman

The ketogenic diet alters cancer cell metabolism by promoting ketone body utilization under low-glucose conditions. This study examines their dual role in signaling and energy supply, and their impact on breast cancer cell oncogenicity, survival, proliferation, and migration.

Patient-Derived Tumor Models Incorporating the Tumor Microenvironment

Dr. Gabriela Rozic Dr. Igor Koman

This project develops patient-derived tumor models that integrate epithelial, stromal, and immune components to better reflect human tumor biology. The platform preserves tumor heterogeneity and enables more accurate prediction of therapeutic responses and personalized treatment strategies across cancer types.

Metabolic Adaptation of Cancer Cells to Glucose Deprivation

Dr. Elemeleh Nesher Dr. Igor Koman

This project investigates how cancer cells adapt to glucose deprivation by shifting to oxidative metabolism. It focuses on metabolically flexible subpopulations, associated DNA damage and repair mechanisms, and chromatin changes that may support survival and resistance under nutrient stress conditions.

β-hydroxybutyrate as a regulator of Breast Cancer cells metabolism and oncogenicity

Dr. Elemeleh Nesher

One of our key tools is the assembloid model—a cutting-edge 3D culture system that mimics the complexity of human tumors by incorporating cancer cells with supporting stromal and immune components. This model enables us to test drug responses in a patient-specific context, offering a powerful platform for predicting treatment outcomes and guiding personalized therapeutic decisions.

CONTACT US