New Page 1

Ofir Shukron

Ofir holds a B.Sc. degree from the department of applied mathematics in Holon institute for technology (H.I.T). He has majored in two fields: Biomathematics and signal processing. Ofir is currently perusing studies towards a M.Sc. degree in applied mathematics at TAU, focusing on proving that an artificially generated intrarcellular transport network (e.g microtubules) could be constructed such that it will be equivalent to the real one, for which the only available geometrical knowledge is its projection image, in the sense that a cytoplasmic entity travelling stochastically on and off it will have similar dynamics on both (under the supervision of Professor Eli Turkel).

At IMBM Ofir was involved in investigating quantitative model for glioblastoma immunotherapy (With Yuri Kogan, Nathalie Kronik, and Zvia Agur), construction of image processing algorithm for tracking sub-populations of a growing breast cancer colony in vitro. At present, Ofir is involved in researching the transformation of Myelodisplastic syndrome (MDS) to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), with Vladimir Vainstein, and construction of a mathematical model describing the interaction between cancer cells and their supportive extracellular matrix (ECM), to elucidate the conditions required for metastasis onset.

Scientific activity in 2010

During 2010 Ofir was involved in the following research and activities:

Statistical survival data analysis of MDS patients and the deterioration of MDS to secondary AML, providing evidence that the transformation results from a single genetic or epi-genetic event. This result bears implications for determining the optimal timing for clinical intervention in MDS patients (with Dr. Vladimir Vainstein and Zvia Agur).

Improving immunotherapy using alloreactive T lymphocytes for brain tumor (Glioblastoma) by investigating and analyzing mathematical models of the complex tumor-immune system interactions with mediated proteins. The research aims at improving suggested treatment regimens as well as allowing better understanding of the complex dynamics of the system (with Natalie Kronik, Yuri Kogan and Zvia Agur).

Work Program for 2011

Construction of a mathematical model to describe the complex interactions between solid cancer cells and their Extracellular matrix (ECM). The model will be used to elucidate the environmental and intercellular conditions required for the metastatic switch to occur. Hopefully, this will shed light on the strategies needed for arresting solid cancers metastasis.