Dr. Tomer Itkin, Ph.D., serves as the esteemed Director of Tel Aviv University’s (TAU) Neufeld Cardiovascular Research Institute at the Sheba Medical Center (SMC). His distinguished affiliations include the Department of Pathology in the School of Medicine and the Sagol Center of Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Itkin’s academic journey encompasses a Ph.D. and initial postdoctoral training in Immunology and Stem Cell Biology at the Weizmann Institute of Science, followed by a second postdoctoral stint and faculty position as Instructor of Biology in Medicine at New York Weill Cornell Medicine, where he specialized in Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine. His exceptional talents were recognized through his selection for the Translational Research Training in Hematology (TRTH) program and multiple American Society of Hematology (ASH) Achievement Awards.

Dr. Itkin’s cutting-edge research laboratory focuses on unraveling the intricate transcription factor-regulated genetic programs that govern fate choice decisions in cardiovascular systems (Heart, Vessels, and Blood) under both homeostatic and pathological conditions. This groundbreaking work aims to develop innovative translational therapeutic strategies for tissue regeneration. The strategic approach is to eventually program and reprogram patients’ cells towards regeneration, utilizing safe methodologies such as modified mRNA, via delivery of transcription factor vectors as therapeutic programming tools. To achieve this ambitious goal, Dr. Itkin’s research group employs a sophisticated array of methodologies, including state-of-the-art microscopy imaging, flow cytometry sorting, and next-generation sequencing computational analysis.

Furthermore, the lab harnesses an impressive range of research models, including various transgenic small and large animal models, clinical patient samples, and pioneering humanized vascularized organoids-on-a-chip models. This multifaceted approach enables Dr. Itkin’s team to develop regenerative tools in clinically relevant settings, pushing the boundaries of medical science. The innovative research models developed in Dr. Itkin’s lab facilitates the screening of novel therapeutic approaches to promote recovery and regeneration following injury or disease.

In addition to their groundbreaking work in regeneration, Dr. Itkin’s group has demonstrated that their acquired knowledge can be leveraged to devise ingenious strategies for mitigating the development of tumor malignancies, further expanding the potential impact of their research on human health.