Izhak Kehat, MD, PhD, Associate Professor

Our research on protein turnover and localized translation is highly relevant to cardio-oncology, as many cancer therapies impose proteotoxic and metabolic stress on cardiomyocytes.

The adult heart relies on precise control of protein synthesis, localization, and degradation to maintain function, and agents such as doxorubicin can disrupt these processes, leading to impaired proteome renewal, cardiac atrophy, and heart failure. By defining how protein turnover and spatial translation are regulated in cardiomyocytes, we aim to uncover mechanisms that preserve proteome integrity and identify pathways that become dysregulated during cancer therapy. This work provides a mechanistic basis for understanding cardiotoxicity and for developing targeted strategies to protect the heart without compromising anticancer efficacy.