Prof. Ruth Ashery Padan
Our research delves into the intricate gene networks responsible for transforming embryonic cells into complex, differentiated organs. We specifically investigate this phenomenon through the lens of eye development, using it as a model for organogenesis. Employing state-of-the-art technologies such as mouse genetic tools (Cre/loxP), molecular biology techniques, stem cell technologies, and epigenetic analyses, we aim to identify and functionally characterize the genes that govern mammalian eye development. Gaining insights into the normal developmental regulation of various eye structures is crucial for understanding visual disorders and devising treatments for ocular conditions like retinal degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, which are leading causes of blindness.
Brain Disorders Research
Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Neurodevelopment and Neurogenetic Research
- Ovadia S, Cui G, Elkon R, Cohen-Gulkar M, Zuk-Bar N, Tuoc T, Jing N, Ashery-Padan R: SWI/SNF complexes are required for retinal pigmented epithelium differentiation and for the inhibition of cell proliferation and neural differentiation programs. Development 2023, 150.
- Cohen-Gulkar M, David A, Messika-Gold N, Eshel M, Ovadia S, Zuk-Bar N, Idelson M, Cohen-Tayar Y, Reubinoff B, Ziv T, et al: The LHX2-OTX2 transcriptional regulatory module controls retinal pigmented epithelium differentiation and underlies genetic risk for age-related macular degeneration. PLoS Biol 2023, 21:e3001924.
- Diacou R, Nandigrami P, Fiser A, Liu W, Ashery-Padan R, Cvekl A: Cell fate decisions, transcription factors and signaling during early retinal development. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022:101093.
- Menuchin-Lasowski Y, Dagan B, Conidi A, Cohen-Gulkar M, David A, Ehrlich M, Giladi PO, Clark BS, Blackshaw S, Shapira K, et al: Zeb2 regulates the balance between retinal interneurons and Muller glia by inhibition of BMP-Smad signaling. Dev Biol 2020, 468:80-92.
- Cohen-Tayar Y, Cohen H, Mitiagin Y, Abravanel Z, Levy C, Idelson M, Reubinoff B, Itzkovitz S, Raviv S, Kaestner KH, et al: Pax6 regulation of Sox9 in the mouse retinal pigmented epithelium controls its timely differentiation and choroid vasculature development. Development 2018, 145.
