Dr. Itzik Cooper
Dr. Itzik Cooper is the PI of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) group. The BBB is a clever obstacle that was developed throughout evolution to protect the brain from harmful substances and provide it solely with essential elements required for its function. When the brain is damaged, however, a critical need to bypass the BBB for the purpose of drugs delivery emerges.
We focus our efforts in the following areas of research:
- BBB dysfunction as a possible mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Understanding the cellular responses of the different components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) to various stimuli.
- Developing new compounds and techniques for enabling specific and effective opening of the BBB and thereby permitting the delivery of impermeable substances (i.e. drugs) into the brain.
Working in the BBB lab involves hands-on experience with methodologies from the molecular and cellular levels through animal studies and clinical work with specific training and expertise in development and applications in BBB in-vitro systems. Conducting research inside the Sheba Medical Center enables a unique scientific environment where basic science meets the clinic. In addition to "standard" biology methods/equipment/specimens in the lab, the scientists and students have access to inimitable data- one can only find in Sheba. We collaborate regularly with colleagues in other departments at Sheba, with the Weizmann Institute of Science, TAU, HUJI and other Israeli institutes and labs around the world.
