Ohad Birk MD, PhD

Prof. Birk looks to decipher the molecular basis of human hereditary diseases by studying monogenic diseases in unique inbred communities, both Arab-Bedouin and Jewish, where inter-marriage results in increased frequency of these recessive diseases. His lab has deciphered the basis of more than 30 human diseases, some of which are prevalent in Arab communities worldwide, and others which are of the most common hereditary diseases in Sephardi Jews. Based on their findings, massive carrier testing is implemented for disease prevention.

The Birk team also conducts biochemical and developmental biology studies using Drosophila, zebrafish, and mutant mouse models, as well as generating and analyzing patients’ stem cells, to decipher downstream molecular pathways of these diseases. Through such studies, novel drug targets have been identified for common diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis, gout, multiple sclerosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and others.