Varda Shoshan-Barmatz

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel)

Shoshan-Barmatz’s research interests include structure-function relations of membranal proteins and mechanisms of transport across membranes.  She focuses on understanding the molecular components of the mitochondrial apoptotic machinery with the aim of minimizing the self-defense mechanisms of cancer cells and stimulating their death as a means of developing cancer therapies.  Her studies are centred on the voltage-dependent anion channel, VDAC, a multi-functional protein serving as a mitochondrial gate-keeper, controlling cell metabolism, apoptosis, and associated with diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.