Pioneering Cannabinoid-Based Therapies for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases
Translating fundamental research into real-world treatments for metabolic syndrome and related disorders.
About The Tam Lab
The Tam Laboratory at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a leading translational research group dedicated to uncovering novel therapeutic strategies for obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and associated complications such as fatty liver disease, osteoporosis, as well as acute and chronic kidney diseases.
Our research lies at the intersection of pharmacology, metabolism, and the endocannabinoid system, with a particular focus on peripheral CB1 receptor antagonism as a pathway to safe and effective metabolic interventions. By integrating molecular pharmacology, in vivo metabolic phenotyping and physiology, and high-throughput approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics, we aim to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application.
In addition to our work on the endocannabinoid system, we actively explore new molecular targets and pathways that contribute to metabolic dysfunction, expanding the therapeutic landscape for these widespread diseases.
The lab is led by Prof. Yossi (Joseph) Tam, a recognized authority in cannabinoid-based therapeutics and metabolism research. Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and translational medicine.
Our ultimate goal is to transform scientific discovery into innovative therapies that improve human health.
Our Research
Translating Endocannabinoid Discoveries into Metabolic Health Solutions
Drug Discovery & Development
The global rise in obesity and its associated metabolic complications, including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular risk, continues to drive the urgent need for novel, mechanism-based therapies. Despite multiple available treatments, there remains no single drug that safely and effectively addresses the full spectrum of obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.
Obesity
Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation and disrupted metabolic homeostasis. It is a major risk factor for a wide range of conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and certain cancers. Despite global awareness and lifestyle interventions, obesity prevalence continues to rise, emphasizing the urgent need for effective, targeted therapies.
Nephropathy
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are critical components of the cardio-metabolic syndrome and are strongly influenced by obesity, diabetes, and systemic metabolic dysfunction. Our lab investigates both the renal consequences of metabolic disease and the novel concept that the kidney actively contributes to whole-body metabolic homeostasis and inter-organ communication.
Fatty Liver Disease
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is now the most common chronic liver condition worldwide. Closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, MASLD encompasses a spectrum of disorders ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Mitochondria are central hubs of cellular metabolism, energy production, and redox balance. Beyond generating ATP, they play essential roles in lipid oxidation, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis regulation, and metabolic signaling. In the context of metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and chronic kidney disease, mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to impaired tissue function and disease proggression.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a chronic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass, impaired bone microarchitecture, and increased fracture risk. It results from an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, often due to aging, hormonal changes, systemic inflammation, or metabolic dysfunction. With an estimated 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over age 50 affected globally, osteoporosis presents a major public health challenge with substantial morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden.
Publications
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Our Funders
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of academic institutions, funding agencies, and industry partners who have recognized the impact and potential of our research. Their investment enables us to pursue bold scientific questions, translate discoveries into therapies, and accelerate innovation in metabolic and cannabinoid-based medicine.
Our Team
The Tam Lab is powered by a diverse and dedicated team of researchers with complementary expertise in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism, endocrinology, pharmacology, and drug development. Together, we combine cutting-edge tools and interdisciplinary approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases and to advance therapeutic innovation. Our team works across cellular systems, organoid platforms, and preclinical models to translate scientific discovery into meaningful clinical impact.
Lab Resources
Discover the resources behind our research
Endocannabinoid Analytics
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central role in regulating energy metabolism, immune responses, appetite, bone remodeling, and organ function. However, its dynamic nature, commonly referred to as “endocannabinoid tone” varies significantly across physiological and pathological states. Accurate, quantitative measurement of endocannabinoids and related lipid mediators (collectively known as the endocannabinoidome) is critical to understanding the functional relevance of ECS signaling in both preclinical models and human disease.
Behavioral & Metabolic Phenotyping Analyses
Understanding the complex relationship between metabolism, behavior, and disease requires advanced tools capable of capturing real-time physiological changes under normal and pathological conditions. Our lab is equipped with the Promethion Core Mouse Metabolic and Behavioral Phenotyping System (Sable Systems International), a cutting-edge platform for continuous, high-resolution monitoring of metabolic, behavioral, and physiological parameters in freely moving rodents.
Additional Lab Resources
In addition to our endocannabinoid analytics and behavioral/metabolic phenotyping platforms, the Tam Laboratory houses several core systems that support high-throughput, precision analysis of metabolic biomarkers and sample preservation. These resources further strengthen our translational research capabilities and are available for collaborative use.
Join Our Team
We are always looking for talented, motivated, and curious individuals to join our multidisciplinary research team. Whether you're a postdoctoral fellow, PhD candidate, or MSc student, the Tam Lab offers a dynamic environment where fundamental science meets translational innovation.
Working at the intersection of metabolism, pharmacology, cannabinoid science, and drug development, our lab provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and opportunities for high-impact publications and collaborations with leading academic and industry partners.
If you're passionate about science and committed to advancing therapies for metabolic diseases, we encourage you to get in touch.