Prof. Michal Neeman, Department of Biological Regulation
michal.neeman@weizmann.ac.il
Prof. Michal Neeman’s research focuses on mechanisms that regulate angiogenesis—the development of new blood vessels—particularly in ovarian cancer. Her research has demonstrated that the hormonal changes that accompany menopause indirectly promote the growth of dormant tumors and the spread of ovarian cancer by inducing the growth of tumor-nourishing blood vessels. Prof. Neeman has developed novel, non-invasive methods that use magnetic resonance and optical imaging to map the regulatory network controlling the growth and function of blood and lymphatic vessels. Her pioneering work is helping scientists better understand how to suppress vessel growth and prolong tumor dormancy, thereby increasing survival in individuals with ovarian cancer. It also holds promise for addressing fertility problems of cancer survivors, by improving the growth of blood vessels in ovarian grafts.