Israel Hanukoglu
Encyclopedia
Israel Hanukoglu is a Professor of biochemistry
and molecular biology
and former Science and Technology Adviser to the Prime Minister
of Israel
(1996-1999). He is founder of Israel Science and Technology Homepage.
Hanukoglu was awarded Hans Lindner Prize (1988), and Lubell Award (1991) for his elucidation of the structures of NAD/NADP coenzyme binding enzyme
families, and his discovery of common motifs in the structure of these enzymes that allowed re-engineering their coenzyme specificities.
Hanukoglu's career in molecular biology started at the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Chicago
(1980-1983 with Elaine Fuchs
), where he cloned cDNAs coding for cytoskeleton proteins, actin and alpha keratins. He elucidated the first structures of cytoskeletal keratin families, and predicted the long helical domains of these proteins.
In later studies he applied molecular biology techniques to understand the structure and function of enzymes involved in steroid hormone
biosynthesis. He cloned the first genes for some key enzymes in the pathways of steroid hormone synthesis that are involved in the cleavage of side chain
of cholesterol
, the precursor of steroid hormones. His award winning research on the structure of adrenodoxin reductase led to his discovery of motifs that are commonly observed in hundreds of enzymes. His other work in this field includes elucidation of the mechanism of action of hormone
s in regulating steroid
hormone synthesis in adrenal cortex
, and the cloning
and elucidation of the structure of ACTH receptor
.
In his current work with his brother Prof. Aaron Hanukoglu (Tel Aviv University
, Sackler Medical School and Wolfson Hospital), he studies the molecular genetics and structure and function of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). They were the first to identify that mutations in ENaC subunits result in the hereditary disease of pseudohypoaldosteronism. These studies also helped establish that ENaC is the principal channel involved in blood volume and blood pressure regulation in humans.
He organized the first International Symposium in Molecular Steroidogenesis in Jerusalem in 1991 which served as the cornerstone for a continuing series of international Symposia gathering scientists who specialize in this field.
Hanukoglu founded Israel's first Molecular Biology B.Sc. degree program in the Ariel University Center of Samaria and served as the Chairman of the Molecular Biology Department there from 2003 to 2008.
Besides a scientific career Hanukoglu has maintained an active academic and civic leadership role. In 1995 he was elected as the Chairman of the Professors for a Strong Israel
, a self-described "non-partisan organization of academics united by a shared concern for the security and the Jewish character of the State of Israel." From 1996 to 1999 he served as the Science Adviser to the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu
. In 2003 he was appointed as the scientific adviser to the Mayor of Rishon-Lezion for establishing the Jewish Nobel Prize Laureate Boulevard Outdoor Museum. Since 1996 he has served as a founding member of the Ariel Center for Policy Research executive board.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
and molecular biology
Molecular biology
Molecular biology is the branch of biology that deals with the molecular basis of biological activity. This field overlaps with other areas of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry...
and former Science and Technology Adviser to the Prime Minister
Prime minister
A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. In many systems, the prime minister selects and may dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the government. In most systems, the prime...
of Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
(1996-1999). He is founder of Israel Science and Technology Homepage.
Hanukoglu was awarded Hans Lindner Prize (1988), and Lubell Award (1991) for his elucidation of the structures of NAD/NADP coenzyme binding enzyme
Enzyme
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. In enzymatic reactions, the molecules at the beginning of the process, called substrates, are converted into different molecules, called products. Almost all chemical reactions in a biological cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates...
families, and his discovery of common motifs in the structure of these enzymes that allowed re-engineering their coenzyme specificities.
Hanukoglu's career in molecular biology started at the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Chicago
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was founded by the American Baptist Education Society with a donation from oil magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller and incorporated in 1890...
(1980-1983 with Elaine Fuchs
Elaine Fuchs
Elaine V. Fuchs is an American cell biologist, famous for her work on the biology and molecular mechanisms of mammalian skin and skin diseases, and has led the modernization of dermatology. Fuchs also pioneered reverse genetics approaches, which assess protein function first and then assesses its...
), where he cloned cDNAs coding for cytoskeleton proteins, actin and alpha keratins. He elucidated the first structures of cytoskeletal keratin families, and predicted the long helical domains of these proteins.
In later studies he applied molecular biology techniques to understand the structure and function of enzymes involved in steroid hormone
Steroid hormone
A steroid hormone is a steroid that acts as a hormone. Steroid hormones can be grouped into five groups by the receptors to which they bind: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, and progestogens...
biosynthesis. He cloned the first genes for some key enzymes in the pathways of steroid hormone synthesis that are involved in the cleavage of side chain
Side chain
In organic chemistry and biochemistry, a side chain is a chemical group that is attached to a core part of the molecule called "main chain" or backbone. The placeholder R is often used as a generic placeholder for alkyl group side chains in chemical structure diagrams. To indicate other non-carbon...
of cholesterol
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a complex isoprenoid. Specifically, it is a waxy steroid of fat that is produced in the liver or intestines. It is used to produce hormones and cell membranes and is transported in the blood plasma of all mammals. It is an essential structural component of mammalian cell membranes...
, the precursor of steroid hormones. His award winning research on the structure of adrenodoxin reductase led to his discovery of motifs that are commonly observed in hundreds of enzymes. His other work in this field includes elucidation of the mechanism of action of hormone
Hormone
A hormone is a chemical released by a cell or a gland in one part of the body that sends out messages that affect cells in other parts of the organism. Only a small amount of hormone is required to alter cell metabolism. In essence, it is a chemical messenger that transports a signal from one...
s in regulating steroid
Steroid
A steroid is a type of organic compound that contains a characteristic arrangement of four cycloalkane rings that are joined to each other. Examples of steroids include the dietary fat cholesterol, the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone, and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone.The core...
hormone synthesis in adrenal cortex
Adrenal cortex
Situated along the perimeter of the adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex mediates the stress response through the production of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids, including aldosterone and cortisol respectively. It is also a secondary site of androgen synthesis.-Layers:Notably, the reticularis in...
, and the cloning
Cloning
Cloning in biology is the process of producing similar populations of genetically identical individuals that occurs in nature when organisms such as bacteria, insects or plants reproduce asexually. Cloning in biotechnology refers to processes used to create copies of DNA fragments , cells , or...
and elucidation of the structure of ACTH receptor
ACTH receptor
The ACTH receptor is a type of melanocortin receptor , properly known as MC2, which is specific for ACTH.It is found in the zona fasciculata of the human adrenal cortex. Binding of the receptor by ACTH stimulates the production of cortisol...
.
In his current work with his brother Prof. Aaron Hanukoglu (Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University
Tel Aviv University is a public university located in Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel. With nearly 30,000 students, TAU is Israel's largest university.-History:...
, Sackler Medical School and Wolfson Hospital), he studies the molecular genetics and structure and function of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). They were the first to identify that mutations in ENaC subunits result in the hereditary disease of pseudohypoaldosteronism. These studies also helped establish that ENaC is the principal channel involved in blood volume and blood pressure regulation in humans.
He organized the first International Symposium in Molecular Steroidogenesis in Jerusalem in 1991 which served as the cornerstone for a continuing series of international Symposia gathering scientists who specialize in this field.
Hanukoglu founded Israel's first Molecular Biology B.Sc. degree program in the Ariel University Center of Samaria and served as the Chairman of the Molecular Biology Department there from 2003 to 2008.
Besides a scientific career Hanukoglu has maintained an active academic and civic leadership role. In 1995 he was elected as the Chairman of the Professors for a Strong Israel
Professors for a Strong Israel
Professors for a Strong Israel is a right-wing group of academics in Israel. They describe themselves as a "non-partisan organization of academics united by a shared concern for the security and the Jewish character of the State of Israel." It was founded in 1988 but stepped up its activities...
, a self-described "non-partisan organization of academics united by a shared concern for the security and the Jewish character of the State of Israel." From 1996 to 1999 he served as the Science Adviser to the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel. He serves also as the Chairman of the Likud Party, as a Knesset member, as the Health Minister of Israel, as the Pensioner Affairs Minister of Israel and as the Economic Strategy Minister of Israel.Netanyahu is the first and, to...
. In 2003 he was appointed as the scientific adviser to the Mayor of Rishon-Lezion for establishing the Jewish Nobel Prize Laureate Boulevard Outdoor Museum. Since 1996 he has served as a founding member of the Ariel Center for Policy Research executive board.