Shai Izraeli, M.D.
Institutional Affiliation:
Head, Functional Genomics and Leukemia Research
Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Cancer Research Center
Sheba Medical Center
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Tel Aviv University
http://www2.tau.ac.il/Person/medicine/researcher.asp?id=aggmhhhik
Education
Hebrew University Medical School, M.D.
Tel Aviv University Postgraduate Medical Faculty, M.Sc.
Internship:
Hadassah Medical Center, Israel
Residency
Beilinson Medical Center, Israel –Pediatrics
Research
The Role of the ERG Oncogene in Leukemia
Impact
Deciphering the role of an important leukemia oncogene
Summary of Research
Our general focus is on the pathogenesis of childhood leukemia with many different research areas. The specific research supported by the SWCRF is investigating the ERG oncogene. ERG is located on chromosome 21. Additional copies of this chromosome are often found in leukemias in children and adults. Children who are born with three copies of this chromosome (Down Syndrome) have a 500 times higher risk for development of a particular type of leukemia in which ERG is involved. We have shown in mice that increased expression of ERG causes leukemia. We are now studying these mice to understand how ERG causes leukemia. In collaboration with other SWCRF investigators, we wish to test novel drugs for treatment of these leukemias. Such pre-clinical trials could lead in the future to improved treatment of this type of leukemia that is associated with bad outcome. |
