Center for Research in Genetics and Malignant Diseases

The DNA molecule contains the genetic information needed to sustain life. Cellular processes and environmental factors can damage the genetic code. Genetic diseases are caused when these changes occur in the parents' sex cells or in the early embryonic stage, affecting the development and functioning of body systems during life stages. Changes in the genetic code can also occur in the cells of the adult body. These changes may disrupt the control of cell division and promote cancerous processes in various tissues.

The population of the Galilee consists of cities and villages of various and diverse ethnic origins and is characterized by a high prevalence of marriage of relatives, birth defects and neonatal mortality compared to the national average. These characteristics create unique conditions for research, mainly the detection and characterization of rare genetic diseases.

Genetic diseases and cancer are complex diseases that affect many activities from the level of a single cell to the whole body. A combination of research and clinical tools is essential for understanding the causes of the disease, and the treatment options for the sick body and mind. The Center's goal is to advance the mechanisms and clinical understanding of these diseases, to identify and characterize new genetic syndromes, while striving to promote their prevention and treatment.

Headed by Dr. Kobi Maman, Prof. Tzipora Falik-Zaccai, and Prof. Itay Onn