Avner Schlessinger, PhD
img_Avner Schlessinger
PROFESSOR | Pharmacological Sciences
Research Topics
Bioinformatics, Cancer, Computational Biology, Drug Design and Discovery, Membrane Proteins/Channels, Protein Kinases, Protein Structure/Function, Systems Pharmacology, Transporters
Multi-Disciplinary Training Area
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Medicine [AIET], Cancer Biology [CAB], Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics (DMT), Genetics and Genomic Sciences [GGS]

Our lab focuses on the development and application of computational tools to annotate the functions of proteins. The two major research areas of our group include:

1. Structure-based drug design for membrane transporters. Our group characterizes cancer-related membrane transporter proteins, using a structure-based discovery approach, including homology modeling and virtual ligand screening, in collaboration with experimental labs. We rationally design novel chemical tools to study transporters’ role in cancer metabolism pathways, with a long-term goal of developing drugs against these potential cancer drug targets.

2. Structural bioinformatics. The lab works on developing and applying sequence-based and structure-based methods to predict different features of proteins using various machine-learning techniques. We analyze the predicted features of proteins in the context of networks and proteomes, to characterize protein functions.


Schlessinger lab website


BSc, Tel Aviv University

PhD, Columbia University

Postdoctoral Training, University of California, San Francisco

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Schlessinger during 2023 and/or 2024. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Founder/Co-Founder/Partner

  • KINaiZ

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.