Lab

Levkowitz Lab

Lab ID
ZDB-LAB-031215-1
PI / Directory
Levkowitz, Gil
Contact Person
Levkowitz, Gil
Email
gil.levkowitz@weizmann.ac.il
URL
http://www.weizmann.ac.il/mcb/levkowitz/
Address
The Weizmann Institute of Science Department of Molecular Cell Biology 234 Herzl St. Rehovot, 76100
Country
Israel
Phone
972-8-934-6077
Fax
972-8-934-4125
Line Designation
wz
Genomic Features
Statement of Research Interest
Our lab utilizes zebrafish as a vertebrate model organism to investigate development and function of several clusters of neurons that reside in the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic neurons regulate fundamental body functions including sleep, blood pressure, temperature, hunger and metabolism, thirst and satiety, stress and social behavior.

We study mechanisms of development that contribute to the formation of hypothalamic circuits starting from early cell fate decisions through later morphogenic processes that shape the neuro-anatomy of the hypothalamus. We also examine how genetic determinants of developmental processes affect the physiological function of the mature hypothalamus.

Understanding these processes is especially important as developmental impairments of hypothalamic neuronal circuits are associated with neurological disorders that disrupt both physiological and psychological homeostasis.
Lab Members
Chen, Qiyu Graduate Student Gavish, Rina Eden Graduate Student Grad, Tomer Graduate Student
Koukoui, Mary Graduate Student Rajamannar, Preethi Graduate Student Ravid, Adi Graduate Student
Blechman, Janna Research Staff Regev, Estar Research Staff Velan, Ariel Research Staff
Zebrafish Publications of lab members