Janet and David Polak Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center. The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine Research Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel

The center was established in 2003 to promote an in-depth interdisciplinary basic and clinical research on the control of cellular and molecular processes that are involved in cancer initiation and progression. We strongly believe that the understanding of basic biological processes that underlie normal development and their deregulation in cancer, is crucial for our ability to identify molecular targets for early detection, intervention, and cure of the disease. We are interested in a broad view of cancer - from the single malignantly transformed cell and its microenvironment, through the entire tumor in the animal. We focus on targeted ubiquitin-mediated degradation of key regulatory proteins that are involved in malignant transformation [Prof. Aaron Ciechanover (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2004)], angiogenesis and cancer progression (Prof. Gera Neufeld), metastasis and tumor microenvironment (Prof. Israel Vlodavsky), as well as genetic and genomic dissection of embryonic and cancer transcriptional networks (Dr. Amir Orian). Towards these objectives, we combine molecular, biochemical, cell biological with Drosophila genetic and genomics experimental approaches, as well as employing advanced models of angiogenesis and metastasis.

We believe that scientific excellence and collegiality go together. Therefore, the center has an open and friendly atmosphere, creating a highly stimulating environment. The center is located in the 11th Floor of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine building. It currently trains 45 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, clinicians and researchers that are at the heart of our research. Formal and informal collaborations between individuals and laboratories are on-going and encouraged. We are running a series of joint seminars to which we invite researchers from Israel and abroad. The Center has advanced state-of-the-art microscopic and image analysis equipment, as well as other shared pieces of infrastructural equipment . The center is an integral part of the Faculty of Medicine and the Rappaport Research Institute which are home for excellent research groups, and enjoys their advanced Interdepartmental Equipment Unit. It is also adjacent to the Rambam Medical Center - the major hospital in the north of Israel - which provides us with access to rich clinical material and collaboration with clinicians. Many of them spend active research periods in our laboratories and bring the bench closer to the patient bed and vice versa. The Center is in an active phase of growth, and offers excellent research opportunities, space and facilities for students, post-doctoral fellows, and physicians.