Molecular neuroscience Israeli visionary: Illana Gozes' quest for brain disorder solutions

Tel Aviv, Israel - The latest Genomic Press Interview, published in Brain Medicine (Genomic Press, New York), offers an insightful look into the life and work of Professor Illana Gozes, a pioneering neurochemist whose research is reshaping our understanding of brain development and neurological disorders. The interview, part of the journal's Innovators and Ideas series, highlights Professor Gozes' journey from early discoveries in molecular neuroscience to her current role at the forefront of potential treatments for conditions like autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Gozes' career has been marked by pivotal discoveries, most notably the identification and characterization of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP). This protein, crucial for brain formation and function, has become a focal point in understanding various neurological disorders. "I hope to be able to further understand the mechanism of brain development and aging, leading to better insights on brain diseases, which will allow for better diagnostic measures," Professor Gozes states in the interview.

Her work has led to the development of davunetide, an investigational drug derived from ADNP, which shows promise in protecting against ADNP deficiency and mutations. This breakthrough raises intriguing questions about the future of neurological treatments. Could davunetide represent a new class of drugs targeting multiple neurological conditions at their molecular roots?

The interview delves into Professor Gozes' current research focus, exploring the similarities between delayed brain development in conditions like ADNP syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases involving tauopathy. This connection between developmental disorders and age-related neurological conditions opens up new avenues for research. How might understanding these shared mechanisms lead to novel therapeutic approaches across a spectrum of neurological disorders?

Professor Gozes' work also highlights the importance of sex differences in neurological research. Her recent findings on gender differences in progressive supranuclear palsy and the efficacy of davunetide in women underscore the need for more nuanced approaches in drug development. This raises an important question: How can future neurological research and clinical trials better account for sex-specific differences to improve treatment outcomes?

The Genomic Press Interview format provides a unique blend of professional insights and personal reflections. Professor Gozes shares her passion for science, stating, "I engulf myself with work, making precise plans, but open for changes depending on findings. I cherish my dedicated students and collaborators, always striving to work with the best of the best."

Her journey from studying tubulin forms in neurons to discovering ADNP and developing potential treatments exemplifies the long arc of scientific discovery. It prompts us to consider: How can we better support and accelerate the translation of basic scientific discoveries into clinical applications?

Professor Gozes' work extends beyond the laboratory. Her efforts in establishing the Israel Brain Bee Competition reflect her commitment to nurturing the next generation of neuroscientists. This initiative raises an important question: How can we better engage young minds in neuroscience to ensure continued innovation in the field?

As President of the European Society for Neurochemistry and Vice President of Drug Development at ExoNavis Therapeutics Ltd., Professor Gozes continues to bridge the gap between academic research and clinical application. Her multifaceted career serves as a model for aspiring scientists, demonstrating the impact of perseverance and interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research.

The full Genomic Press Interview, titled "Illana Gozes: From the pivotal discovery of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) through its investigational drug davunetide: brain molecular medicine providing hope for autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease," is available on 4 October 2024 in Brain Medicine, offering readers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the thoughts and experiences of one of the most influential minds in neurochemistry and drug development for neurological disorders. The article is freely available online at https://bm.genomicpress.com/aop/

About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Brain Medicine is a new home for the cross-disciplinary pathway from innovation in fundamental neuroscience to translational initiatives in brain medicine. The journal’s scope includes the underlying science, causes, outcomes, treatments, and societal impact of brain disorders, across all clinical disciplines and their interface.