Prof. Elie Beit-Yannai Principal investigator Education: PhD in Professor Esther Shohami and Professor Michal Horowitz's lab, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, My training includes 5 years of highly relevant experimental and managerial experience as a Project and Lab Manager at a biotech company.

Bio Sketch

Professor Elie Beit-Yannai, Associate Professor & Principal Investigator

Dr. Elier Beit-Yannai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). As Principal Investigator, he leads a research program dedicated to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and identifying novel therapeutic targets for vision preservation.

Research Focus: Ocular Extracellular Vesicles and Biomechanics

Professor Beit-Yannai's laboratory investigates the intricate intercellular signaling networks that regulate aqueous humor outflow—the critical process disrupted in POAG. Our research integrates three complementary themes:

1. Extracellular Vesicle (EV) Signaling: Characterizing extracellular vesicles (exosomes) secreted by the Non-Pigmented Ciliary Epithelium (NPCE) as key intercellular messengers. The laboratory examines how EV cargo modulates the biology and function of Trabecular Meshwork (TM) cells, which regulate aqueous humor outflow resistance.

2. Biomechanical Modeling: Employing advanced 3D culture systems and computational modeling to determine how NPCE-derived EVs alter the mechanical properties and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition of the TM, establishing direct links between molecular events and the biomechanical pathology of glaucoma.

3. Oxidative Stress & Neuroprotection: Applying foundational expertise in oxidative biology to investigate how environmental and biochemical stressors contribute to ocular pathology and vision loss.

Scientific Background and Career

Professor Beit-Yannai earned his B.Pharm and advanced degrees from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, completing his M.Sc. in Medicinal Chemistry and Ph.D. in Pharmacology. His doctoral research focused on the role of reactive oxygen species in neuroprotection following injury.

His career uniquely bridges academic research and industry translation. He spent five years in biotech as a Project and Laboratory Manager, where he gained extensive experience in experimental design, scientific rigor, project management, and translational development—experience that continues to inform his academic research approach.

Research Impact 

Professor Beit-Yannai's work aims to translate discoveries on NPCE-derived extracellular vesicles into innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions to prevent irreversible vision loss in glaucoma patients worldwide.