CV

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

 

 

NAME

 

Eitan Okun

POSITION TITLE

 

Senior Lecturer, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel

 

EDUCATION/TRAINING 

INSTITUTION AND LOCATION

DEGREE

MM/YY

FIELD OF STUDY

Bar Ilan University

B.Sc.

2001-2003

Biology

Bar Ilan University

M.Sc.

2003-2004

Immunology

Bar Ilan University

Ph.D.

2004-2007

Immunology

National Institute on Aging, NIH

Post-Doctorate

2007-2011

Neuroscience

 

 

 

 

         

 

  1. Personal Statement

My research focuses on the innate-immune-related cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal plasticity and learning and memory processes during neurodegenerative conditions and in normal aging.  In addition to studying mechanisms of learning and memory in healthy animals, I have gained significant experience working with murine models for neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

B. Positions and Honors

 

Positions

August 2011-present  Senior Lecturer, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.

 

Honors

2011      NIH Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE) Award

2011      Young Researchers Award ESN/ISN society

 

 

Research

The Paul Feder Laboratory for Reaearch on Neurodegenerative diseases

Our research focuses on both basic and translational neuroscience. We study the roles of innate immune receptors of the Toll-like receptors  / Interleukin-1 pathways on spatial learning and memory in rodents, with emphasis on spatial pattern completion and pattern separation. In this respect, we also study spatial learning and memory in human subjects using virtual reality environments.

In addition, We study possible mechanisms by which adult neurogenesis, the process of formation of new neurons in the adult brain, can be further enhanced.

On the translation branch of the laboratory, we develop a DNA vaccination strategy to delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease using mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. In addition, we also develop biomarkers for earlier diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Last Updated Date : 24/04/2023