Raphael Isaac Benhamou

Chemical Biologist, Assistant Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, @hujimed. Postdoc in @disney_lab and Ph.D in @michafridman lab

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

We finally moved to our new lab space on the 4th floor @PharmacyHUJI! We have brand-new equipment and a great view over Jerusalem mountain. If you are around come visit us!
We have open positions for MSc, PhD & Postdocs in ChemBio with synthesis skills. If interested contact me.

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Wonderful @PharmacyHUJI Retreat in Netanya, with great outdoor activities and excellent science from the students. A highlight was Liann’s talk, which presented exciting science and impressive progress in her research. A great few days together!
Chana Tova 🍏🍯

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Excited to share our new publication in Advanced Science! We report the first molecular degrader of a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) — the telomeric transcript TERRA
Huge congratulations to Elias for leading this breakthrough work!
https://t.co/pm3tBzDvXS
@HebrewU @PharmacyHUJI

[Guillaume Laconde @Glaconde34]

Development of PROTAC-Based Strategies for Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB1R) Degradation in Cancer | ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science https://t.co/QzNk9mtqgG

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Delighted to share the first-in-class CB1R PROTAC degrader study published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science! Peripherally restricted to avoid brain penetration—opening new possibilities in cancer and beyond.
Congrats Aseel on your work!
https://t.co/7nvb7NwSf0

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Thrilled to share that our work on druglike degraders of HuR has been selected for the JACS Au cover! Congrats to @LiannKassabri & thanks to @Ella_Maru Studio for the stunning cover! https://t.co/26n4utgkUf
https://t.co/FTKUH5r2lF
#MyACSCover #TargetedDegradation #CancerResearch

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Excited to share our new paper published in JACS Au!
"Druglike Molecular Degraders of the Oncogenic RNA-Binding Protein HuR"
We report the first-in-class degraders of HuR using both molecular glue & PROTAC approaches
https://t.co/Vj2AVK6hbV
Congrats Liann for this amazing work!

[Nature Methods @naturemethods]

RNA structures are important too! In our latest Technology Feature, Michael Eisenstein explores how researchers are utilizing a growing toolbox of techniques to understand how RNA 3D structures inform their biological function.

https://t.co/zuYgC2cmm4

[Matt Disney @disney_lab]

New in J. Med. Chem RiboTACs degrades LGALS1 mRNA by 97%, inducing apoptosis and blocking invasion in cancer models. Potency driven by linker + RNase L recruiter optimization PAL & NanoBRET confirm live-cell RNase L engagement https://t.co/VUjbJtEQB3 https://t.co/VUjbJtEQB3

[Matt Disney @disney_lab]

Noah built a platform to discover covalent small molecules that react with RNA. Many protein-reactive warheads also react with RNA. We then Converted a DNA binder into a rna covalent compound.
Preprint: https://t.co/JguMSDjKgk
#RNA #CovalentDrugs #ChemicalBiology #DrugDiscovery

[Guillaume Laconde @Glaconde34]

Advancing target validation with PROTAC technology: Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery https://t.co/cXMngVdBGf

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

New opinion article out now:
Advancing Target Validation with PROTAC Technology
🔹 Overview of clinical-stage degraders
🔹 in vitro & in cellulo validation assays
🔹 Insights for advancing novel degraders
Read more: https://t.co/QWVdUXA4Ek
Congrats to Leora & Aseel!
@HebrewU

[Pharmacy HUJI @PharmacyHUJI]

🚨We're Hiring! The School of Pharmacy seeks candidates for a tenure-track faculty position in Medicinal Chemistry! Please apply no later than August 31st, 2025

Apply now: https://t.co/xMHpopENfS

#Hiring #MedicinalChemistry #AcademicJobs #Pharmacy #HUJI

[Micha Fridman @mifridm]

Big thanks to Derek Lowe for the thoughtful commentary on our manuscript! Your insights on antifungal research and the challenges we face in drug discovery are invaluable.

What the Antifungals Are Really Doing | Science | AAAS https://t.co/X1n6ALHDEd

[Matt Disney @disney_lab]

Our latest RSC Chem Bio review explores RNA-targeted small molecule libraries—their evolution, design principles, and drug discovery potential.
We also highlight key challenges, like the need for better datasets for AI-driven RNA therapeutics.
https://t.co/3kAbSIly1Q

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Our recent article "PROTAC and Molecular Glue Degraders of the Oncogenic RNA Binding Protein Lin28", is one of 4 articles from Macromolecular Bioscience (published in 2024) that is featured in the Editors Choice collection:
https://t.co/XsO7sMvdYV
Thx for the recognition!

[Matt Disney @disney_lab]

RNA: From Biology to Drug Discovery symposium, April 14-15, 2025, at UF Scripps. Speakers include: Darnell , Maquat, Rinn, Krainer, Krichevsky, and more!
Register https://t.co/z7NKRoU3jG

#RNA #DrugDiscovery #Biology #UF #Scripps

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Excited to share our latest publication in Heliyon! We developed fluorescent probes using RIBOTAC tech to visualize RNase L activity in living cells—paving the way for novel recruiters & deeper insights into RNase L behavior. Congrats to Elias on his work! https://t.co/jGJ8ZBEzYK

[Matt Disney @disney_lab]

We are very excited by this first disclosure of our large collaboration with the lab of Nikhil Munshi @DanaFarber using a cMYC mRNA degrader to affect Multiple Myeloma. ASH Annual Meeting

https://t.co/rlnyRergYy

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Thank you, @yissum and @AmFriendsHU, for the wonderful opportunity to present our work! We are grateful for the chance to share our advancements in small-molecule RNA-targeted therapies.

[Yissum HUJI @yissumhuji]

We're grateful to have had Dr. Raphael Benhamou from @HebrewU share his insights in our webinar, "Pioneering RNA Research Amidst Adversity." He discussed RNA-targeted therapies for all types of diseases.

Watch the full webinar: https://t.co/nQkPztpPFU

[Raphael Isaac Benhamou @BenhamouLab]

Our latest research is out in Macromolecular Bioscience! Congrats to Aseel & team on developing small molecule degraders targeting the oncogenic Lin28 protein. This work highlights the power of molecular glues and PROTACs in RBP modulation & cancer. https://t.co/8MBCbwsDXh