Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky is Incumbent of the Karl and Frances Korn Career Development Chair in Life Sciences. Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science
Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky’s research is focused on understanding of the role of cellular senescence in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Cellular senescence, a permanent state of cell cycle arrest accompanied by a complex phenotype that affects the microenvironment, is an essential mechanism that limits tumorigenesis and tissue damage. However, senescent cells accumulate in premalignant lesions, sites of tissue damage and in normal tissues during aging. If senescent cells are not cleared by the immune system, persist and accumulate in tissues, they have the potential to promote pathological conditions. Krizhanovsky lab studies how senescent cells affect cancer, aging and age-related diseases as well as embryonic development.
Prof. Krizhanovsky was one of the pioneers to study the role of cellular senescence in tissue damage and repair and the interaction of senescent cells with the immune system. Recently Krizhanovsky’s laboratory discovered a novel mechanism of interaction of senescent cells with other cells that regulates the immune surveillance of senescent cells. Research at Krizhanovsky’s laboratory showed presence of cellular senescence in the placenta; thus providing, together with other laboratories, the first evidence that senescence can play a role in embryonic development. Recent studies at the laboratory discovered mechanisms that regulate the viability of senescent cells. Inhibition of these pathways allowed elimination of senescent cells in vivo.
Current research at Krizhanovsky’s laboratory also focuses on: Cellular senescence in aging and age-related diseases; Interaction of senescent cells with the immune system; Cellular senescence in premalignant lesions and cancer.
Prof. Krizhanovsky is a recipient of Yigal Alon Prize from Council of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. State of Israel.