Neuroscience luminary Hermona Soreq sheds light on the roles of RNA regulators in neurodegenerative diseases

In a compelling Genomic Press Interview published in Brain Medicine on September 25, 2024, Professor Hermona Soreq of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel unveils the profound implications of her groundbreaking research on the cholinergic system and small RNA regulators in brain-body communication.

Prof. Soreq, holder of the Endowed Slesinger Professorship of Molecular Neuroscience, has dedicated her career to unraveling the complexities of the parasympathetic nervous system, with a particular focus on acetylcholine's role in stress responses and neurodegenerative diseases. Her work has revolutionized our understanding of how the brain and body interact under various conditions, from daily stress to acute trauma.

"I am fascinated by the concept of multi-leveled regulation of molecular brain activities and seek to understand it in terms of mental and neurodegenerative diseases," Prof. Soreq explains in the interview. This fascination has led to significant discoveries, including the cloning of human cholinesterase genes and the identification of microRNA-132 as a key controller of the cholinergic pathway.

Prof. Soreq's recent shift towards studying transfer RNA fragments (tRFs) has opened new avenues for understanding cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women. Her findings suggest that rapidly declining control of tRFs over cholinergic transcripts may be a crucial factor in the progression of cognitive deterioration. This insight raises intriguing questions about the potential for sex-specific treatments in neurodegenerative diseases. Could targeted therapies that address tRF regulation offer more effective interventions for women with Alzheimer's?

The interview also highlights Prof. Soreq's contributions to understanding Parkinson's disease and the impact of pre-delivery stress on newborns. Her multi-faceted approach to neuroscience research reflects the unique landscape of stress-related studies in Israel, providing a comprehensive view of cholinergic-regulated states and diseases.

"Others look up to me in my field of expertise, and I am well cited and frequently invited to lecture about my work," Prof. Soreq notes, underscoring the impact of her research on the scientific community. Her work not only advances our understanding of brain function but also paves the way for potential new treatments in neurodegenerative and stress-related disorders.

The Genomic Press Interview offers a rare glimpse into the personal journey of this esteemed scientist. Prof. Soreq shares how her high school science teacher first sparked her interest in research, leading her to a summer school at The Hebrew University – an experience that set the course for her illustrious career.

Prof. Soreq's approach to science is characterized by a relentless curiosity and a belief that "Nature makes no mistakes." This philosophy has driven her to seek out new surprises and uncover the regulatory nature of her discoveries. Her work raises profound questions about the future of neuroscience research. How might our understanding of brain-body communication reshape approaches to mental health treatment? What role could small RNA regulators play in developing targeted therapies for stress-related disorders?

As the interview delves into Prof. Soreq's personal reflections, it reveals a scientist deeply committed to her work, even in challenging times. "Going to work has become a relief from the burdens of everyday stresses, which are genuinely very heavy these days. So, work is my refuge from war," she shares, providing a poignant insight into the resilience of scientific pursuit in the face of adversity.

The Genomic Press Interview with Prof. Hermona Soreq not only showcases her remarkable scientific achievements but also offers a deeply human portrayal of a researcher at the forefront of neuroscience. Her work continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of brain function and opens up exciting possibilities for future research and therapeutic interventions.

The full interview, titled “Hermona Soreq: Revolutionizing neuroscience by elucidating the roles of poly(A) tails, mRNA stability, small RNA regulators and acetylcholine in brain-body communication throughout the lifespan," will be published in Brain Medicine on September 24, 2024. It will be freely available online at https://bm.genomicpress.com/aop/

About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Brain Medicine is a new home for the cross-disciplinary pathway from innovation in fundamental neuroscience to translational initiatives in brain medicine. The journal’s scope includes the underlying science, causes, outcomes, treatments, and societal impact of brain disorders, across all clinical disciplines and their interface.

Contact: Hermona Soreq, PhD, Professor of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel: hermona.soreq@mail.huji.ac.il