Laboratory of Immunological and Inflammatory Modules in Malignancy

Research focus
Prof. Ben-Baruch is an immunologist who investigates the roles of immune and inflammatory elements in physiological and pathological conditions, with major emphasis on malignancy. The studies in her laboratory determine the complex regulatory networks established between chemokines and cytokines of the tumor microenvironment, intrinsic oncogenic modifications in tumor cells, and stroma cells. The research paradigm is integrative, progressing from molecules that promote cancer, through high resolution analyses of tumor cells and animal model systems, to verification of results at the individual patient level.

Potential services

I. Consultation services:
Advice can be provided on theoretical and experimental aspects of immunological and inflammatory processes in general, and particularly in malignancy.

II. Laboratory services:

• Setting up murine models of breast cancer, for determination of tumor growth and metastasis: Tumor cell inoculation in hormone-dependent and independent models; Preparation of fluorescently-tagged tumor cells; Use of imaging devices (Maestro, IVIS).
• Motility and migration assays, for determination of cell chemotaxis and chemokinesis: Transwells; Modified Boyden chambers; Scratch assays.
• Cloning of desired cDNAs to vectors.
• Transfection and infection of vectors to established cell lines.
• ELISA, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, Confocal microscopy, e.g. for determination of expression levels of chemokines, cytokines, growth factors and angiogenic factors.
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting, for determination of cell surface and intracellular molecules in cells.
• XTT proliferation assays.
• Immunochemistry staining of biopsy sections of patients.

Contact persons

Prof. Adit Ben-Baruch
Dept. Cell Research and Immunology
George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science
Tel Aviv University
Email:

Ms. Tsipi Meshel
Dept. Cell Research and Immunology
George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science
Tel Aviv University
Email:tzipi@post.tau.ac.il
Tel: 03-6409839
FAX: 03-6422046

Project manager

avi Wener
Research services

Project researchers

Adit Ben-Baruch
T.A.U Tel Aviv University, Life Sciences
Cell Research and Immunology