Our Team and Alumni

Development of a gene editing platform in homogametic monosex prawn lines toward sterility

My study is focused on adapting CRISPR technology in prawns to create genetically edited Macrobrachium rosenbergii monosex lines with specific characteristics that can be used for research and environmental applications. For example, creating sterile populations to be used as non-reproducible, non-invasive and environmentally safe biocontrol agents with an added benefit of faster growth and resistance associated with sterility.

Bio-mineralization of crustaceans’ exoskeleton

My research is focused on characterizing the genetic and molecular process of exoskeleton formation in decapod crustaceans. Using RNAi-based gene silencing, X-Ray imaging, and transcriptomic analyses of different molt stages, I use the Australian Redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, as a model to uncover the mechanism of exoskeleton formation and stabilization. Phenotypic effects of exoskeletal formation and mineralization involved genes are determined using spectroscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy imaging. The findings will suggest a bio-mimicry system of crayfish exoskeleton formation and mineralization.

The controlling mechanism behind crustacean sexual differentiation

My research is focused on sex differentiation and sex determination mechanisms in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Using state of the art NGS genomic and transcriptomic platforms, that are available in our lab, I aim on identifying differences between the W and Z sex chromosomes that carry the sex-determining regions and mine for regulatory elements governing both sexual differentiation and determination pathways. I use bioinformatics tools to search for novel candidate sex-controlling genes in our NGS databases, followed by in-vitro validation and RNAi-based silencing experiments to shed a new light on the functionality of those genes.

Immortalization of crustacean primary cell

Many crustaceans are majorly hit by various deadly pathogens that cause colossal mortality, leading to economic losses. An immortalized cell line can study various host-pathogen interactions and serve as a model for drug delivery and design. My research is focused on immortalizing primary crustacean cells. I try to achieve this by targeting various cell cycle regulating genes and tumor suppressor genes that are mined using the wide crustacean genomic and transcriptomic platforms available in our laboratory. To functionally address the role of the above genes, I use in vitro genome editing tools such as lentiviral transduction and CRISPR knockout to alter the gene of interest.

Ecological impacts and improvement of prawn biocontrol

My research aims to understand the effects and the full potential of prawn biocontrol on a farm and regional scales, using monosex cultures of Macrobrachium rosenbergii as a biocontrol agent against parasite-carrying and invasive freshwater snails. My area of research is the freshwater system in Emek HaMa’ayanot in Israel, which is an optimal model system, being a closed web of natural springs and fish farms. Using classic ecological tools such as metapopulation models on different scales, quantification of prawn functional response and field surveys, I aim to locate the best potential spots for prawn biocontrol in our model system.

Long non-coding regulatory genes and sexual determination

My research focuses on the sex differentiation mechanisms in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii, using transcriptomic and genomic libraries and bioinformatics tools. My goal is to identify differentially expressed long non-coding regulatory genes on the W and Z sex chromosomes that may play a role in controlling sex differentiation. Candidates are studied through in-vitro validation and functional genomics via embryonic CRISPR and post-larval RNAi.

Gonads formation and development in crustaceans’

My research focuses on investigating the genes involved in the formation and development of gonads in crustaceans’ embryos, particularly in the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Through genetic analyses, gene expression patterns, and experimental manipulations, I aim to identify key genes responsible for gonad formation to decipher the developmental processes of these reproductive organs. Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of crustaceans’ reproductive biology, potentially improving the aquaculture industry. Overall, my work aims to expand the knowledge about the genetic basis of gonad formation in M. rosenbergii, thus providing valuable insights into the broader field of crustacean embryology.

The mechanism behind crustaceans’ visual systems

My research focuses on highly reflective molecular crystals that are used in many animals’ coloration and visual systems. Organisms exquisitely control the shape and assembly of these crystals to generate various optical effects. However, almost nothing is known about the genes and proteins which control crystallization. Crystals of isoxanthopterin are found in reflective structures in the eyes of decapod crustaceans. Recent studies have shown that such crystals grow inside specialized cells called iridophores, inside a unique organelle. In my research, we seek to elucidate the biological control mechanisms underlying crystallization. To do so, we performed a combined transcriptomic/proteomic study on a model species of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and a crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. Candidate transcripts that are upregulated during crystal formation will then be knocked-out or silenced by CRISPR and dsRNA, resulting in phenotypic changes of crystal morphology, thus will be elucidated by cryo-SEM imaging.