Dr. Marcela Viviana Karpuj

1. Experience in Preclinical Drug Development 

BIOA2Z, Inc. – Founder and CEO (Preclinical Anti-Cancer Personalized Drug Development Program) 2011 San Francisco, USA

As the founder and CEO of BIOA2Z, Inc., I spearheaded a groundbreaking preclinical anti-cancer personalized drug development program. With a focus on targeted therapies, I established a novel loss-of-function technology to target specific oncogene variants effectively. This innovative approach allowed for precise interventions tailored to individual patients. Additionally, I successfully adapted a high-throughput screening (HTS) methodology and employed it in the design and purification of antibodies, ensuring the development of potent and specific drug candidates.

CUBRC, Inc. – Co-director (Preclinical Antiviral Drug Development Program)

At CUBRC, Inc., 2006 San Francisco, and Buffalo NY, USA

I served as the co-director of a preclinical antiviral drug development program. Leveraging my expertise in protein purification and biophysical analysis, I established robust protein purification systems using both cell-free translation and mammalian cells. This enabled the identification and characterization of potential antiviral targets. Furthermore, I played a pivotal role in designing, testing, and troubleshooting a novel assay for viral capsid assembly inhibitors, which contributed to the development of new therapeutic strategies. Additionally, I led the statistical analysis of HTS leads, validated secondary screening for lead compounds, and assisted in the identification of small molecule active sites. Notably, I successfully validated active compounds in vitro and animal models, further advancing our understanding of their therapeutic potential.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency (US DoD) Contract Recognizing my expertise and contributions in the field, I was awarded an $8,300,000 contract from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (US DoD) for the “Transformational Medical Technologies Initiative – Broad Spectrum Blockade of Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Capsid Assembly,” focusing on Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and Lassa Fever viruses. In this role, I designed a robust HTS strategy and opened new avenues for non-human antiviral HTS. Moreover, I fostered collaborations with key stakeholders, establishing partnerships that were instrumental in driving progress and innovation. Additionally, I demonstrated strong leadership skills by effectively managing and developing a team of full-time direct reports and mentoring interns new to the industry. Furthermore, I successfully negotiated multiple business agreements with third parties, ensuring productive collaborations and maximizing project outcomes.

The University of California San Francisco

During my tenure at the University of California San Francisco, I made significant contributions to the understanding of Phosphonothioate’s involvement in prion disease, both in vitro and in vivo. This research shed light on the underlying mechanisms of this devastating neurodegenerative condition and provided valuable insights into potential therapeutic interventions.

Stanford University

At Stanford University, I conducted pioneering research that revealed the involvement of transglutaminase in neurodegenerative diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington’s disease. Through extensive investigations in cell culture and animal models, I unraveled crucial molecular mechanisms contributing to these complex disorders, advancing our knowledge and potential treatment strategies.

As a candidate for professorship promotion, I bring a wealth of experience in preclinical drug development, particularly in personalized cancer therapies and antiviral research. My track record of innovative research, successful collaborations, and leadership in multidisciplinary teams position me strongly for continued contributions to scientific advancements in the field. I am dedicated to making significant strides in understanding and combating complex diseases, with a particular focus on developing novel therapeutics and improving patient outcomes. 

1. Non-Academic previous positions

CEO and Founder – BioA2Z Inc, San Francisco, CA, USA (2011 to 2017)

As the CEO and Founder of BioA2Z Inc, I managed academic and industrial collaborations to support the development of proprietary technology for regulating membrane proteins associated with cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. I played a key role in the company’s incorporation in 2012, overseeing intellectual property litigation, creating business plans, projecting revenues, and conducting market analysis. Through my leadership, BioA2Z Inc became a prominent player in the industry, driving innovation and advancing therapeutic approaches.

Consultant – Science & Business (2008 to 2012)

I worked as a consultant for a range of organizations, including Spyglass Biosecurity, Chemical, mBio Diagnostics, and Neurion Pharmaceuticals. As a consultant, I conducted marketing, operational, financial analysis, and scenario planning activities. I collaborated closely with these companies, providing valuable insights and strategic guidance to optimize their operations, enhance market presence, and drive growth.

Research Director and Principal Scientist – CUBRC Inc, Buffalo, New York (2006 to 2009)

In my role as Research Director and Principal Scientist at CUBRC Inc, I led the establishment of a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for anti-viral drug screening, utilizing immunological and biochemical tools. This pioneering assay enabled the development of a new generation of drugs to combat viral diseases caused by biological terrorism-relevant threat agents, including Ebola, HANTAN, and Rift Valley Fever Virus. Additionally, I conducted research on the effects of protein bio conformers on the immune response to different Ebola glycoproteins, contributing to our understanding of viral infections and potential therapeutic targets.

Throughout my non-academic positions, I have demonstrated strong leadership, strategic thinking, and scientific expertise. As the CEO and Founder of BioA2Z Inc, I successfully managed collaborations and drove the development of innovative technologies. As a consultant, I provided valuable insights to multiple organizations, optimizing their operations and driving business growth. At CUBRC Inc, I made significant contributions to the field of anti-viral drug discovery, establishing an HTS assay and studying the immune response to viral pathogens. These experiences have enriched my skill set and positioned me as a highly qualified candidate for promotion to a professorship position.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Dr. Hussein Naseraldin, Professor Wertheim Rafi, Dr. Malka Nir Topic: From academic research to translational implementation. Funded by/Amount: Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology – 75,000 INS Year: 2022

*2022: Prize for an outstanding faculty member at the Department of Biotechnology Engineering Braude College, Karmiel.

*2021: Prize for an outstanding faculty member at the Department of Biotechnology Engineering Braude College, Karmiel.

*2020: Prize for an outstanding faculty member at the Department of Biotechnology Engineering Braude College, Karmiel.

*2020: Award-winning at the first National Hacktau competition at the Tel Aviv University Entrepreneurship Center. Winning team award among all academic teams and winning team award of the entire competition including all academic and industry teams.

2010: Prize for outstanding achievements, Nucleic acid research, and Oxford Journal.

2003-2004: ‘Best Teacher’ at the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition in the Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

1995: Ph.D. Scholarship award, Feinberg Graduate School, Weizmann Institute of Science

1995: M.Sc. in Biochemistry, Cum Laude

Teaching

 *2017 present: Biochemistry I. Braude College (Lecturer) – Lecture. Transformed the entire course into a hybrid course with videos and exercises for all topics. (B.Sc.)

*2017-present: Biochemistry. Braude College (Laboratory) – Lab principal instructor. (B.Sc.)

*2017-present: Advanced methods in genetic engineering. Braude College (Lecturer) – Lecture. (M.Sc.)

*2017-2021: Scientific writing. Braude College (Lecturer) – Lecture. (B.Sc.)

*2017-2018: Molecular Biology. Braude College (Laboratory) – Lab instructor. (B.Sc.)

*2017-2018: Biotechnology Engineering. Braude College (Lecturer) – Lecture. (B.Sc.)

*2017: Methods in separation (Laboratory) – Lab Instructor. (B.Sc.)

2016: Controlling Gene Expression in Health and Disease. Faculty of Agriculture (Guest Lecturer) – Lecture. (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

2003-2004: neurodegenerative diseases and Nutrition. Faculty of Agriculture (Lecturer) – Lecture. (M.Sc. and Ph.D.)

2003-2004: Biochemistry Faculty of Agriculture. (Lecturer) – Mandatory Course/Lab. (M.Sc.)

1. Supervision of Undergraduate Students

 *Tzeala Granik: The effect of gravity on amyloid formation. B.Sc. 2023 – Interim Project for students at Braude College.

*Shapira Stav: The establishment of a cell culture model to characterize amyloid formation. B.Sc. 2021 – Project for excellent students at Braude College (final grade 100).

*Basel Abu Hanen: The establishment of a high throughput assay to characterize amyloid formation and test the effect of Anle138 on these aggregates. B.Sc. Final internship training project 2020 – Finalized project (final grade 94) and graduated.

*Lital Biton: The glycosylation pattern of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. B.Sc. 2018 – Project for excellent students at Braude College (final grade 100).

*Ganit Shtick: Brain-specific proteases and their possible effect on Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. B.Sc. 2018 – Project for excellent students at Braude College (final grade 100).

*Zachary S Fritts: The establishment of a Mycoplasma test in mammalian cell culture. B.Sc. 2018 – International ERASMUS project (poster selection and presentation at the Biomedical Engineering Society conference in Atlanta, Georgia).

1. Grants Awarded

PI (Principal Investigator) Collaborators: Professor David Karasik, Faculty of Medicine (Co-PI), Dr. Karen Jackson and Dr. Paula Pitashny, MIGAL TEL-HAI (Co-PI) Topic: Innovative Platform for Neurodegenerative Therapies Modelling and Drug Development. Funded by/Amount: Collaborative research initiative Tel-Hai, MIGAL, and Braude – 50,000 INS Year: 2023.

PI (Principal Investigator) Original grant awardees: Garry Nolan, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Cassandra Vieten, IONS, Petaluma, California Topic: The whole exome analysis of individuals with specific behavioral attributes to identify possible specific genomic variabilities. Funded by/Amount: Competitive contract continuation with additional budget assigned by the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), California, USA, to participate in a BIAL Foundation grant application – $11,600 Year: 2019.

PI (Principal Investigator) Original grant awardees: Garry Nolan, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Cassandra Vieten, IONS, Petaluma, California Topic: The whole exome analysis of individuals with specific behavioral attributes to identify possible specific genomic variabilities. Funded by/Amount: Competitive contract assigned by the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS), California, USA, to participate in a BIAL Foundation grant application – $28,450 Year: 2018.

Co-PI (Co-Principal Investigator) Collaborator: Prof. Ofer Amir- Poria Hospital (PI) Topic: Characteristics of coronary and systemic circulations with blood cell subpopulations. Funded by/Amount: Israeli Ministry of Science – $30,000 Year: 2015.

PI (Principal Investigator) Collaborator: Dr. Itay Onn, Faculty of Medicine (Co-PI) Topic: Equipment grant Funded by/Amount: MAGNET – $300,000 Year: 2014.

Co-PI (Co-Principal Investigator) Collaborators: Professor Zena Werb, UCSF (Co-PI), and Professor Lawrence Steinman, Stanford University (Co-PI) Topic: Innovative drug development kit platform for advanced cancer therapy Funded by/Amount: National Science Foundation – $150,000 Year: 2013.

PI (Principal Investigator) Collaborators: Professor Vishu Lingappa, CPMC, San Francisco, CA (PI), and Dr. Christopher Davis. CUBRC, Inc. (Co-PI) Topic: Broad spectrum blockade of hemorrhagic fever virus capsid assembly – Ebola, Rift Valley Fever & Lassa Fever Viruses Funded by/Amount: defense Threat Reduction Agency (US DoD) Contract “Transformational Medical Technologies Initiative” – $8,300,000 Year: 2006-2008.

PI (Principal Investigator) Collaborator: Professor Stanley Prusiner, UCSF, USA (Co-PI) Topic: Diagnostic biomarkers for humans and animals producing prions Funded by/Amount: Bi-National Science Foundation (BSF) Grant – $59,206 Year: 2004-2005.

PI (Principal Investigator) Collaborator: Professor Oded Shoseyov, Hebrew University, Faculty of Agriculture (Co-PI) Topic: First steps toward understanding the natural transmission route in prion diseases Funded by/Amount: Hebrew University: Innovative Ideas Grant – $20,000 Year: 2004.

1. Submission of Research Proposals – not funded.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Robert Kelsh and Space Pharma Inc (Co-PI) Topic: Innovative Platform for Neurodegenerative Therapies Modelling and Drug Development Funded by/Amount: BIRAX Aging calls for proposals Year: 2022.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Sarit Sivan (Co-PI), Zacharia Frenkel Topic: A quick, cheap, reliable, and high-throughput test for COVID-19 Funded by/Amount: Fast Funding for COVID-19 Year: 2020.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Professor Jeffrey Skolnick (Co-PI), Professor Lisa Hensley (Co-PI), Professor Gene Olinger, Professor Sarit Sivan (Co-PI), and Dr. Zakaria Frenkel (Co-PI) Topic: A quick, cheap, and efficient one-stop-shop solution for COVICOVID-19 unforeseen events Funded by/Amount: Israeli Minister of Health Year: 2020.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Various EU Professors from various EU countries and EU pharmaceutical companies Topic: Theraprion- Development of therapy for prion diseases Funded by/Amount: Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions. Innovative Training Networks (ITN) Call: H2020-MSCA-ITN-2020 Year: 2019-2020.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Professor Ami Navon (PI), Space Pharma Inc (Collaborator) Topic: Exploring gravity and environmental impacts on Amyloid formation – Direct implications for Neurodegenerative diseases Funded by/Amount: IMOS- THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SPACE Year: 2019.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Vittorio Gentile (Co-PI) Topic: Exploring gravity and environmental impacts on Amyloid formation – Direct implications for Neurodegenerative diseases Funded by/Amount: Italian and Israeli joint space program Year: 2018.

*PI (Principal Investigator) An innovative initiative to promote basic course instruction in natural sciences, in an era of changing reality, in Biochemistry 1, third semester – A competitive call to encourage activity in the field of teaching and learning quality Funded by/Amount: The Israel Council for Higher Education – VATAT Year: 2018

*PI (Principal Investigator) Collaborators: Meir Wilchek (Collaborator), Ruth Gabizon (Collaborator), Albert Taraboulos (Collaborator) Topic: Elucidating the basic function of nucleic acids in cellular trafficking of DNA binding membrane proteins in the context of neurodegenerative diseases Funded by/Amount: ISF Year: 2018.

*Co-PI (Co-Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Werner Kermer (Co-PI), Varda Rotter (Collaborator), Willbold Dieter (Collaborator) Topic: Structural studies and cell culture models of two key proteins related to aging diseases, p53, and PrP, expedite their prion-like aggregation Funded by/Amount: GIF Year: 2018.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Robert Kelsh (Co-PI) Topic: In vivo validation of novel loss-of-function technology targeting proteins involved in aging-related neurodegenerative disease Funded by/Amount: BIRAX Aging call for proposals Year: 2018.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Garret Yount (Co-PI) Topic: Identification of well-being biomarkers associated with decreased depression following the mind-body medicine program Funded by/Amount: John Templeton Foundation Year: 2017.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Topic: Alzheimer’s prevention: deciphering the multifactorial components that create our lives Funded by/Amount: John Templeton Foundation Year: 2017.

*PI (Principal Investigator) Co-Researchers: Evan Elliot (PI) Topic: Identifying the normal function of Htt, new pathways involved in HD, and finding potential therapies through FDA-approved drugs that bind specifically to the Htt protein Funded by/Amount: Huntington Society of Canada Year: 2016.

September 2023- Medical and Pharmacology school- Haiphong, Vietnam- Colloquium Talk –The Combination of Models and New Technologies to Combat Infectious and Aging Diseases.

September 2023- Medical and Pharmacology school- Haiphong, Vietnam- scientific writing invited workshop –Writing a winning abstract/ Invited Lecturer.

April 2015 – Instituto Universitario de Oncologia del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA) Universidad de Oviedo, Spain – Colloquium Talk – Applications of a novel loss of function tool for basic research and personalized medicine/ Invited Lecturer.

May 2013 – Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile – Colloquium Talk – Prion therapy in animal models leads to a novel research tool to advance translational medicine/ Invited Lecturer

June 2011 – Tel Aviv University, Israel – Colloquium Talk – Short Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides-Potential Therapeutic Agent for Prion Disease and Conditional Modulation of Membrane Protein Expression in Cultured Cells/ Invited Lecturer

May 2010 – Houston, TX, USA – University of Texas, Medical Branch – Drug therapy in Neurodegeneration disorders, infectious diseases, and a novel way of protein degradation/ Invited Lectu

1. International Active Participation

 * November 2023, 3^rd International Conference on Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Dubai, UAE. Comparative Bioinformatic Analysis Identifies Conserved Regions for Enhanced Detection and Therapeutics Targeting of SARS-Cov-2 and Future Pandemics. Keynote Presentation.

*October 2023, Prion 2023 Conference Faro, Portugal. A Novel Therapeutic Approach Modulates Protein Interactions and Cellular Processes. Abstract chosen for Oral Presentation.

 *September 2023, TechConnect and Innovation conference Vietnam- Innovation- Sustainable development, Quang Ninh Exhibition of Planting and Expo Center. Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology, The Combination of Models and New Technology to Combat Infectious and Aging Diseases. Special guest invitation for Oral Presentation.

 *November 2021 Society for Neuroscience Chicago, Illinois, USA. The Potential Impact of Zero Gravity on Amyloid Aggregation. Poster Presentation.

*October 2018 Biomedical Engineering Society Atlanta, Georgia, USA. A qPCR Based assay for detecting Mycoplasma contamination in cell lines. Poster Presentation.

*June 2018 Gordon Research Conference Transglutaminase in Human Disease Processes Les Diablerets, Switzerland. “Lost in translation”: A TGase inhibitor advances from preclinical to clinical trials phase II/III and gets to its (hopefully temporary) endpoint. Poster Presentation.

*May 2018 Prion 2018 Conference Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides: From a possible prion therapy to a novel loss of function tool. Poster Presentation.

November 2012 Zing Neurodegeneration Conference Mexico. A novel method for membrane protein regulation in cell culture. Oral Lecture.

October 2010 Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society, the 6th Annual Meeting Dana Point, CA, USA. A novel method for membrane protein degradation in cell culture mediated by oligodeoxynucleotides. An outstanding award Poster was chosen for a short presentation.

February 2006 Amino Acids Rome, Italy. Prolonged survival and reversal of abnormal movements in Huntington’s disease in a transgenic mouse model, after administration of Cystamine, a transglutaminase inhibitor. Oral Lecture.

July 2003 Human Frontiers Cambridge, UK. Short Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides reduce PrP^C while eliminating PrP^Sc. Oral Lecture.

December 2002 Therapeutic Opportunities in Neurodegenerative diseases Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA. Targeting cellular prion expression with Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides reduces PrP^C while eliminating PrP^Sc. Oral Lecture.

April 2002 The New Prion Biology Sardinia, Italy. Elimination of Scrapie prions and diminished cellular prion expression by Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides Oral Lecture.

January 2002 Microarrays, Models and Mechanisms Seattle, Washington, USA. Microarray for neurodegenerative diseases Invitation-Only Selective Workshop

October 2000 The New Prion Biology Sardinia, Italy. Gene microarray as a new tool for research and diagnosis in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Key-Note Speaker.

January 2000 Altered Gene Expression in Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Diseases Cambridge, Massachusetts. USA. Cystamine, a competitor for Transglutaminase, slows the progression of Huntington’s Disease in a transgenic mouse model without altering the formation of nuclear inclusions. Oral Lecture.

August 2000 Hereditary Disease Foundation Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Prolonged survival and reversal of abnormal movements in Huntington’s Disease. Oral Lecture.

March 2000 Society of Neurochemistry Chicago, Illinois, USA. Transglutaminase aggregates Huntingtin into non-amyloidogenic polymers, and their enzymatic activity is increased in Huntington’s Disease brain nuclei. Oral Lecture.

October 1999 Society for Neuroscience Miami Beach, Florida, USA. Transcriptional profile of Huntington’s Disease brain with gene microarrays. Oral Lecture.

August 1999 Hereditary Disease Foundation Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Transcriptional profile of HD brain with microarrays reveals coordinated patterns of regulation in response to a lethal mutant gene. Oral Lecture.

August 1998 Hereditary Disease Foundation Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. Non-amyloid aggregates in Huntington’s Disease brain. Oral Lecture.

1. National Active Participation

March 2014 HFSP Alumni Meeting, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. Adaptation of a novel loss of function technology for membrane proteins to cancer research Selected for oral presentation at the opening session. Oral Lecture.

January 2003 Hereditary Disease Foundation Weizmann Institute, Israel. Reduction of aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases leads to possible therapies and raises new questions. Oral Lecture.

October 2017-Present, Braude College, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Senior Scientist.

March 2017-October 2017, Braude College, Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Adjunct Lecturer.

2012-2013 The University of California, San Francisco, Department of Anatomy, Visiting Scientist.

2008-2009 Buffalo University, The State University of New York, Department of Microbiology, and Immunology, Assistant Research Professor.

2006-2007 CUBRC Inc, Buffalo, New York. Director of Research, Principal Scientist (unpaid vacation from the Faculty of Agriculture).

2003-2006 Hebrew University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Biochemistry Lecturer (Tenure track).

2000-2003 University of an Francisco California, Department of Neurology and Infectious Diseases at the laboratory of Professor Stanley Prusiner, Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

1997-2000 Stanford University, Department of Neurology at the laboratory of Professor Lawrence Steinman, Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

1993-1999 Hebrew University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Biochemistry, Teaching and Research Assistant

Offices in Academic Administration

March 2023 12th Braude Industry-Academy Conference Braude Karmiel Academia-Industry – From academic research to translational implementation Head of the Organizing Committee, opening and closing of the Conference and Chair of the Startup panel.

*March 2022 11th Braude Industry-Academy Conference Virtual Conference Academia-Industry – Opportunities & Challenges Head of the Organizing Committee, and Chair of all sessions.

*February 2021 10th Braude Industry-Academy Conference Virtual Conference Challenges & Insights in Times of Crisis Head of the Organizing Committee, and Chair of all sessions.

*October 2018 Braude Interdisciplinary Conference Kfar Blum Braude Interdisciplinary Conference Part of the organizing committee.

*October 2018 Braude Interdisciplinary Conference Kfar Blum Braude Interdisciplinary Conference Chair at the Cognitive Processes and Virtual Reality session.

*March 2022 11th Braude Industry-Academy Conference Virtual Conference Academia-Industry – Opportunities & Challenges- Moderator, and leader of the final panel discussion.

*February 2021 10th Braude Industry-Academy Conference Virtual Conference Challenges & Insights in Times of Crisis- The crisis as an engineering and entrepreneurial accelerator in Israeli industry Moderator, and leader of the final panel discussion.

*October 2018 Braude Interdisciplinary Conference Kfar Blum The discovery of a possible prion therapy leads to a novel loss of function Chair and Lecturer.

*January 2021-Present Committee of academic affairs member, the Biotechnology Engineering Departmental, Braude College, Karmiel.

*January 2021-Present Committee on Academic Computing and Information Systems member, Braude College, Karmiel.

*April 2021-Present Departmental faculty recruitment Committee member, the Biotechnology Engineering Departmental, Braude College, Karmiel.

*April 2020-Present Head of the Yearly Academia Industry Conference Committee.

*April 2020-Present Member of the Volunteering IT Support Team as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Effort at Braude College, Karmiel.

*April 2019-Present Safety Committee member, the Biotechnology Engineering Departmental, Braude College, Karmiel.

*April 2019-Present BSL2 Tissue Culture Manager, Braude College, Karmiel.

*April 2018-2021 Animal Facility Head, Braude College, Karmiel.

*April 2018-2021 Animal ethics committee chair, Braude College, Karmiel.

*November 2018-Present Academic Authority Head in charge of the Biotechnology Engineering, Departmental Website Content.

2016-October 2017 Member of the Bioinformatics Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed.

2015-October 2017 Member of the Genome Technology Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed.

2014-October 2017 Head of Technology Genome Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed (permanent position).

Scientific Consultation

*2022-present Laboratory of Prof. Yarden, Department of Immunology and Biological Regulation, the Weizmann Institute of Science.

*2019-2022 Laboratory of Prof. Gross, Department of Biological Regulation, the Weizmann Institute of Science.

2015-2018 Laboratory of Prof. Lapidot, Department of Immunology, the Weizmann Institute of Science.

2015-2017 Orot Luses, Impact investment fund focusing on cancer innovation.

 A. Undergraduate and Graduate Studies

2009-2011    MBA in Sustainability. Alliant International University Presidio Graduate School, San Francisco, CA, USA. (Summa Cum Laude).

1995-1999    Ph.D. The Weizmann Institute, Department of Immunology, Rehovot, Israel.

1993-1995    M.Sc. The Hebrew University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of     Biochemistry, Rehovot, Israel. (Cum Laude).

1991-1993    B.Sc. The Hebrew University, Chemistry Department, Jerusalem, Israe.

B. Post-Doctoral Studies

2000-2003    University of San Francisco, California, Department of Neurology, and infectious diseases, (Nobel Laureate, Professor Stanley Prusiner) Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

1998-2000    Stanford University, Department of Neurology (Professor Lawrence Steinman) Postdoctoral Research Fellow

C. Competitive External Training Courses

European Molecular Biology Organization Course for Principal Investigators: November 2005. Laboratory Management Course for Young Principal Investigators.

Cold Spring Harbor Post-Doctoral Course: November 2002. First Course in Proteomics.

Cold Spring Harbor Ph.D. Course: August 1997. Neurobiology of Disease.

1. D. Dissertation

‘Evidence from biochemical, molecular biological and gene micro-array analysis indicates involvement of transglutaminase and ubiquitin-related proteins in the pathogenesis of Huntington’s Disease ‘. Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. Supervisor: Professor Lawrence Steinman. Submitted: May 1999; Language: English.

1. Articles in Refereed Journals and patents

Note: Each publication will be accompanied by the following information: Registered in JCR (V), Impact Factor (IF), Rank/Number of Journals in the list, Name of specialty list (I– Initiator of the study; II– Performing the study; III-Writing the manuscript draft; IV-Reviewing the draft.

*1.       Grinberg L, Dabbah Assadi F, Baum G, Zemel R, Tur-Kaspa R, Shochat C, Karasik D, Karpuj V M. (2023) Beneficial effect of vitamin D on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) progression in the Zebrafish model. Nutrients. 15, 1362 (Invited to submit the manuscript by the editor for a special edition-In press)

V, IF: 9, Q1 Food Science, Rank: 15/131 Nutrition & Dietetics, Contribution: II-IV

*2.       Palandel V., Raviv D., Karpuj V M., Rainer G., Morgenstern M. (2022) Detection of gene mutations and gene-gene fusions in circulating cell-free DNA of glioblastoma patients – an avenue for clinically relevant diagnostic analysis. Molecular Oncology. 16, 2098-2114.

V, IF:7.5, Q1 Oncology, Rank: 51/245 Oncology, 4 Citations, Contribution: II-IV

*3.       Wahbeh H, Radin D, Yount G, Woodley M A., Sarraf M A, Karpuj M V. (2022) Genetics of psychic ability – A pilot case-control exome sequencing study. Explore- The Journal of Science and Healing. 18, 264-271.

V, IF:2.4, Q2 Behavioral Neuroscience, Rank 21/30 Integrative &Complementary Medicine, 1 Citation, Contribution: II-IV

*4.       Tabouy L., Getselter D., Ziv O., Karpuj M., Tabouy T., Werbner N., Ben-Amram H., Nuriel-Ohayon M., Koren O., Elliott E. (2018) Dysbiosis of microbiome and probiotic treatment in a genetic model of autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behavior and Immunity. 73, 310-319.

V, IF:19.3, Q1 Immunology, Rank: 10/162 Immunology, 78 Citations, Contribution: II-IV

*5.       Takai, K., Drain, A. P., Lawson, D. A., Littlepage, L. E., Karpuj, M., Kessenbrock, K., Le, A., Inoue, K., Weaver, V. M., Werb, Z. (2018). Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) ablation promotes tissue fibrosis and hypoxia to induce aggressive, basal-like breast cancers.  Genes and Development. 32, 244-257.

 V, IF:12.9, Q1 Developmental Biology, Rank: 23/195 Cell biology, 34 Citations, Contribution: II-IV

 *6.       Journo, G., Tushinsky, C., Shterngas, A., Eran, Y., Karpuj, M.V., Frenkel-Morgenstern, M., and Shamay, M. (2018) Modulation of Cellular CpG DNA Methylation by Kaposi’s Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus. Journal of Virology. 98, 8-18.

 V, IF:6.6, Q1 Immunology, Rank: 8/38 Virology, 12 Citations, Contribution: I- IV

7. Broce, S., Hensley, L., Sato, T., Lehrer-Graiwer, J., Essrich, C., Edwards, K.J., Pajda, J., Davis, C.J., Bhadresh, R., Hurt, C.R., and Karpuj, M. (2016). Biochemical and biophysical characterization of cell-free synthesized Rift Valley fever virus nucleoprotein capsids enables in vitro screening to identify novel antivirals. Biology Direct. 11, 25.

V, IF:7.2, Q1 Agricultural, and Biological Sciences, Rank: 11/94 Biology, 3 Citations, Contribution: I- IV

8. Van Strien, M.E., de Vries, H.E., Chrobok, N.L., Bol, J.G.J.M., Breve, J.J.P., van der Pol, S.M.P., Kooij, G., van Buul, J.D., Karpuj, M., Steinman, L., et al. (2015). Tissue Transglutaminase contributes to experimental multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and clinical outcome by promoting macrophage migration. Brain Behavior and Immunity. 50, 141–154.

V, IF:19.3, Q1 Behavioral Neuroscience, Rank: 6/275 Neurology, 23 Citations, Contribution: I- IV

9. Nardone, S., Sams, D.S., Reuveni, E., Getselter, D., Oron, O., Karpuj, M., and Elliott, E. (2014). DNA methylation analysis of the autistic brain reveals multiple dysregulated biological pathways. Translational Psychiatry. 4, e433.

V, IF:8, Q1 Biological Psychiatry, Rank: 24/155 Psychiatry, 155 Citations, Contribution: II, IV

10. Ben-Gedalya, T., Lyakhovetsky, R., Yedidia, Y., Bejerano-Sagie, M., Kogan, N.M., Karpuj, M.V., Kaganovich, D., and Cohen, E. (2011). Cyclosporin-A-induced prion protein aggresomes are dynamic quality-control cellular compartments. Journal of Cell Science. 124, 1891–1902.

V, IF:5.2, Q1 Cell Biology, Rank: 87/195 Cell Biology,

, 27 Citations, Contribution: II, IV

11. 1 Karpuj, M.V., Gelibter-Niv, S., Tiran, A., Rambold, A., Tatzelt, J., Nunziante, M., and Schatzl, H.M. (2011). Conditional modulation of membrane protein expression in cultured cells mediated by prion protein recognition of short phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 286, 6911–6917.

V, IF:5.5, Q1 Biochemistry, Rank: 94/297 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 6 Citations, Contribution: I- IV

12. Karpuj, M., Smith, D., Kelley-Clarke, B., Stossel, A., Honko, A., Broce, S., Van Loan, N., Harrell, E., Kelleher, C., Lingappa, J.R., et al. (2010). Small Molecule Therapeutics of Viruses of Families Bunyaviridae and Arenaviridae. Antiviral Research. 86, A58–A58.

V, IF:10.1, Q1 Virology, Rank: 6/37 Virology, 1 Citation, Contribution: I- IV

13. Karpuj, M.V., Giles, K., Gelibter-Niv, S, Scott, M.R., Lingappa, V.R., Szoka, F.C., Peretz, D., Denetclaw, W., and Prusiner, S.B. (2007). Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides reduce PrPSc levels and prion infectivity in cultured cells. Journal of Molecular Medicine. 13, 190–198.

V, IF:5.6, Q1 Molecular Medicine, Rank: 47/139 Medicine, Research & Experimental, 27 Citations, Contribution: I- IV

14. Karpuj, M., and Steinman, L. (2004). The multifaceted role of transglutaminase in neurodegeneration: Review article. Amino Acids. 26, 373–379.

V, IF:3.8, Q2 Clinical Biochemistry, Rank: 147/297 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 11 Citations, Contribution: I- IV

15. Karpuj, M.V., Becher, M.W., and Steinman, L. (2002). Evidence for a role for transglutaminase in Huntington’s disease and the potential therapeutic implications. Neurochemistry International. 40, 31–36.

V, IF:4.3, Q2 Cell biology, Rank: 115/275 Neuroscience, 50 Citations, Contribution: I-IV

16. Karpuj, M.V., Becher, M.W., Springer, J.E., Chabas, D., Pedotti, R., Youssef, S., Mitchell, D., and Steinman, L. (2002). Prolonged survival and decreased abnormal movements in a transgenic model of Huntington’s disease, with the administration of the transglutaminase inhibitor Cystamine. Nature Medicine. 8, 303–303.

V, IF:87.3, Q1 Biochemistry Genetics and Molecular Biology, Rank: 1/297 Medicine, Research & Experimental, 317 Citations, Contribution: I- IV

17. Pedotti, R., Mitchell, D., Wedemeyer, J., Karpuj, M., Chabas, D., Tsai, M., Galli, S.J., and Steinman, L. (2001). An unexpected version of horror autotoxicus: anaphylactic shock to a self-peptide. Nature Immunology. 15, A1218–A1218.

V, IF:31.3, Q1 Biochemistry, Rank: 4/162 Immunology, 156 Citations, Contribution: II, IV

18. Pedotti, R., Mitchell, D., Wedemeyer, J., Karpuj, M., Chabas, D., Tsai, M., Galli, S.J., and Steinman, L. (2001). Allergy to self: An unexpected immune response in EAE. Neurology. 56, A94–A94.

V, IF:12.3, Q1 Neurology, Rank: 9/212 Clinical Neurology, Contribution: II, IV

19. Chabas, D.E., Steinman, L., Rittling, S.R., Sobel, R., Lock, C., Mitchell, D., Pedotti, R., Karpuj, M., Heller, R., Oksenberg, J., et al. (2001). Elevated osteopontin transcripts in MS brain libraries and its role in the development of progressive versus relapsing autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Neurology. 56, A467–A467.

V, IF:12.3, Q1 Neurology, Rank: 9/212 Clinical Neurology, 1 Citation, Contribution: II, IV

20. Chabas, D., Baranzini, S.E., Mitchell, D., Bernard, C.C.A., Rittling, S.R., Denhardt, D.T., Sobel, R.A., Lock, C., Karpuj, M., Pedotti, R., et al. (2001). The influence of the proinflammatory cytokine, osteopontin, on autoimmune demyelinating disease. Science. 294, 1731–1735.

V, IF:63.8, Q1 history and Philosophy of Science, Rank: 2/74 Multidisciplinary Science, 878 Citations, Contribution: II, IV

21. 2 Karpuj, M.V., Chan, P., Di Monte, D., Langston, J.W., and Steinman, L. (2000). Gene microarray analysis of Parkinson’s disease specimens. Neurology. 54, A427–A427.

V, IF:12.3, Q1 Neurology, Rank: 9/212 Clinical Neurology, 878 Citations, Contribution: I-IV

22. Karpuj, M.V., and Steinman, L. (2000). Transglutaminase aggregates Huntingtin into Non-Amyloidogenic Polymers and its enzymatic activity is increased in Huntington’s disease brain nuclei. Journal of Neurochemistry. 74, S96–S96.

V, IF:5.5, Q1 biochemistry, Rank: 73/275 Neuroscience, Contribution: I- IV

23. Ruiz, P.J., Garren, H., Ruiz, I.U., Hirschberg, D.L., Nguyen, L.V.T., Karpuj, M.V., Cooper, M.T., Mitchell, D.J., Fathman, C.G., and Steinman, L. (1999). Suppressive immunization with DNA encoding a self-peptide prevents autoimmune disease: Modulation of T cell costimulation. Journal of Immunology. 162, 3336–3341.

V, IF:5.4, Q1 immunology, Rank: 64/162 Immunology, 130 Citations, Contribution: II, IV

24. Ruiz, P.J., Garren, H., Hirschberg, D.L., Langer-Gould, A.M., Levite, M., Karpuj, M.V., Southwood, S., Sette, A., Conlon, P., and Steinman, L. (1999). Microbial epitopes act as altered peptide ligands to prevent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Journal of Experimental Medicine. 189, 1275–1283.

V, IF:17.6, Q1 Immunology, Rank: 4/139 Medicine Research &Experimental, 67 Citations, Contribution: II, IV

25. Karpuj, M.V., Garren, H., Slunt, H., Price, D.L., Gusella, J., Becher, M.W., and Steinman, L. (1999). Transglutaminase aggregates huntingtin into nonamyloidogenic polymers, and its enzymatic activity increases in Huntington’s disease brain nuclei. Proceedings of National Academy of Science USA. 96, 7388–7393.

V, IF:12.8, Q1 Multidisciplinary, Rank: 9/74 Multidisciplinary Science, 256 Citations, Contribution: I- IV.

26. Ruiz, P.J., Wolkowicz, R., Waisman, A., Hirschberg, D.L., Carmi, P., Erez, N., Garren, H., Herkel, J., Karpuj, M., Steinman, L., et al. (1998). Idiotypic immunization induces immunity to mutated p53 and tumor rejection. Nature Medicine. 4, 710–712.

V, IF:87.3, Q1 Biochemistry Genetics and Molecular Biology, Rank: 1/297 Medicine, Research & Experimental, 62 Citations, Contribution: II, IV

27. Karpuj, M.V., Steinman, L., and Oksenberg, J.R. (1997). Multiple sclerosis: a polygenic disease involving epistatic interactions, germline rearrangements and environmental effects. Neurogenetics. 1, 21–28.

V, IF:3, Q1 Cellular, and Molecular Neuroscience, Rank: 51/166 Clinical Neurology, 30 Citations, Contribution: III, IV

28. Tal, M., Ammar, D., Karpuj, M., Krizhanovsky, V., Naim, M., and Thompson, D. (1995). Novel Putative Neuropeptide Receptor Expressed in Neural Tissue, Including Sensory Epithelia. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communication. 209, 752–759.

V, IF:3.3, Q1 Biophysics, Rank: 39/72 Biophysics, 113 Citations, Contribution: II-IV

1. Patents

• * Patent Application; US Number PCT/ TBD; Ofek Eshkolot; “Use of PSDNA to Reduce Prion Formation to Thereby Prevent Growth of Cancer and Use of Specific Compounds and Microgravity for Affecting Amyloid Formation to Enable Study and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders” 2023.

• *Patent Application: US Number PCT/IL2021/050647; Ofek Eshkolot; “Composition For Sampling Body Fluids And Secretions For Detecting Pathogenic Agents Nucleic Acids And For Disinfection”. 2021

• *Patent Application: US Number 63/032,650; Ofek Eshkolot; “Composition For Sampling Body Fluids And Secretions For Detecting Pathogenic Agents Nucleic Acids And For Disinfection”. 2021

4. *Lecture Application: US Number 63/046,771; Ofek Eshkolot; “System and method for online Examination”. 2021

5. *Patent Application: US Number 63/055,909; “SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO INFLUENCING PHYCHIC PHENOTYPES” 2021

6. Patent Application: US Number 13/103,481; Marcela Karpuj; “Regulation of Protein Level”. 2011

7. Patent Application: US Number 09/719,770; Yeda Reference 9829;

            “The Involvement of Transglutaminase in Neurodegenerative Diseases”. 1999

1. Referred Proceedings 

1. Marcela Viviana Karpuj, Nishanth Belugali Nataraj, Glen Telling, Suvendu Giri, Moshit Lindzen, Yosef Yarden (2023). A Novel Therapeutic Approach Modulates Protein Interactions and Cellular Processes. Prion 2022 Conference abstracts: pushing the boundaries. Prion, TBD 

V, IF: 2.1, Q3 Biochemistry, Contribution: I-IV 

2. Shimon Amselem, Amselem, S., Marmur, Y., Szenkier, N., Navon, A., Gross, A., Steinman, L., Rothbard, J., & Karpuj, M. V. (2022). The combinatorial effect of chronic drug intake and microgravity on Amyloid formation. Prion 2022 Conference abstracts: pushing the boundaries. Prion, 16, 95–253

V, IF: 2.1, Q3 Biochemistry, Contribution: I-IV

3. *Drain, A. P., Takai, K., Lawson, D. A., Littlepage, L. E., Karpuj, M., Kessenbrock, K., Le, A., Inoue, K., Weaver, V. M., & Werb, Z. (2018). Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) ablation promotes tissue fibrosis and hypoxia to induce aggressive, basal-like breast cancer. American Association for Cancer Research, 78, LB-055-LB-055

V, IF:9.4, Q1 Developmental Biology, Rank: 14/181 Cell biology, Contribution: II, III, IV

4. Zemel, R., Rapaport, N., Perez, S., Kitayner, M.E., Morad, E., Karpuj, M., Ravid, A., Frenkel-Morgenstern, M., Gal-Tanamy, M., Haviv, I., et al. (2016). Vitamin D antagonizes the expression of genes that are epigenetically regulated by the Hepatitis C virus. 64, 740A–741A.
5. IF:17.3, Q1 Hepatology, Rank: 4/79 Gastroenterology and Hepatology-SCIE. Contribution: II
6. Rapaport, N., Zemel, R., Morad, E., Wynstein, D., Karpuj, M., Ravid, A., Haviv, I., and Tur-Kaspa, R. (2016). Transcriptomic Antagonism Between HCV Infection and Vitamin D. Hepatology. 64, S421–S421.
7. IF:11.7, Q1 Hepatology, Rank: 4/79 Gastroenterology and Hepatology-SCIE. Contribution: II 

1. Posters in conferences 

1. “The combinatorial effect of chronic drug intake and microgravity on Amyloid formation.” Presented at the Neuroprion meeting (2022) Göttingen, Germany.

2. “The Potential Impact of Zero Gravity on Amyloid Aggregation.” Presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference (2021) Chicago, Illinois, USA.

3. “A qPCR Based assay for detecting Mycoplasma contamination in cell lines.” Presented at the Biomedical Engineering Society conference (2018) Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

4. “Lost in translation”: A TGase inhibitor advances from preclinical to clinical trials phase II/III and gets to its (hopefully temporary) end-point.” Presented at the Gordon Research Conference Transglutaminase in Human Disease Processes (2018) Les Diablerets, Switzerland.

5. “Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides: From a possible prion therapy to a novel loss of function tool.” Presented at the Neuroprion meeting (2018) Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

6. “A novel Loss of function technology, in mammalian cell lines, regulates membrane proteins via Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, and could be utilized to screen for anti-cancer drugs.” Presented at the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society conference (2015) Leiden, Netherlands.

7. “A novel method for membrane protein degradation in cell culture.” Presented at the Zing Neurodegeneration Conference (2012) Mexico. The poster presentation was also chosen for a lecture.

8. “A novel method for membrane protein degradation in cell culture mediated by oligodeoxynucleotides.” Presented at the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society 6th Annual Meeting (2010). Received a Poster Award.

9. “A novel mechanism of PrPC degradation mediated by Phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in a cell culture model.” Presented at the Keystone conference (2006) Keystone, Colorado, USA.

10. “A novel mechanism of PrPC degradation and PrPSc elimination.” Presented at the Neuroscience conference (2005) Washington, USA.