פרופ' ינקל גבט

Genetics: Our laboratory focuses on the genetic and hormonal regulation of bone remodeling, microarchitecture and strength. These traits have a high degree of heritability, and one aspect of our research is to characterize new genetic determinants of bone remodeling as well as elucidate the mechanism of action of selected genes. Our GWAS confirmed the role of AVP (vasopressin) and OXT (precursor of oxytocin) in bone and identified for the first time Rhbdf2 as a significant determinant of bone structure.

Sex hormones: We investigate the actions of sex hormones with an emphasis on the skeletal dimorphism between males and females, and their interaction with other genes and transcription factors.

Erythropoietin: Epo is the main hormone that regulates blood cells production. We are investigating the role of Epo in bone remodeling in general and on the bone cells in particular.

Inflammation-induced osteolysis: Today, most dental implants undergo surface roughening to enhance osseointegration. However, ultrasonic scaling performed routinely for oral hygiene releases particles from titanium implants. We found that these particles stimulate the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and induce osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Our research now focuses on the mechanisms of pathogen and titanium particles-induced osteolysis and on potential therapeutic approaches.

Cannabinoids: Cannabis-derived and endogenous cannabinoids are important regulators of bone and immune cells. We investigate the beneficial actions of the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids in bone fracture healing, osteoporosis, fibrosis, cancer, sepsis and inflammation-induced bone destruction.

Our research supported the submission of several patents. One patent proposes a new therapeutic solution for sepsis and hyperinflammation as in the case of COVID-19 long haulers. In collaboration with Dr Norman Gaylis, we completed a clinical study that demonstrated the efficacy of our treatment in alleviating up to 12 long-COVID symptoms in 75% of the participants. 

Grants (since 2017)

• 2017-2022  Israel Science Foundation Grant (PI)                                                          

• 2019-2022  Emerson Collective Cancer Research Fund (PI)

• 2019-2022  Ministry of Science & Technology (PI)

• 2020-2022  Israel Cancer Association (co-PI)

• 2020-2022  Dotan Research Center (co-PI)

• 2021-2026  Israel Science Foundation Grant (PI)                                                    

• 2021-2022  Collaborative Biomedical Science (PI)

• 2022-2026 Binational Science Foundation (USA-Israel) – BSF (PI)

• 2022-2026 The Aufzien Family Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Publications

For an updated list see link to CRIS on top of the page

NCBI bibliography can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1b3_jbly6Z45m/bibliography/public