Nitzan Shabek

Nitzan Shabek is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of California, Davis, where they investigate signaling pathways in plants, fungi, and humans. Their work combines structural biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to decode sensory mechanisms and regulatory processes involving the ubiquitin-proteasome system. They are affiliated with the Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group, Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, and Plant Biology Graduate Group.

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Technion Israel-Institute of Technology
• Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Washington, Seattle under Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Their research focuses on how extracellular stimuli such as light, hormones, and pathogens are perceived and regulated through ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. By bridging atomic-scale structures to organismal networks, they aim to advance agricultural, environmental, and human health innovations. Key themes include strigolactone signaling, SCF ubiquitin ligase dynamics, and stress response mechanisms.

Recent publications highlight structural insights into strigolactone biosynthesis and degradation, proteasome activity in plants, and KAI2 receptor functional diversity. Their work often addresses open questions in plant proteolysis and signaling pathway integration. Awards include the NSF CAREER and EAGER grants, as well as the CBS Year-End Mentorship and Research Award (2022).

• NSF CAREER Award (2021)
• NSF EAGER Award (2020)
• CBS Year-End Mentorship and Research Award (2022)

Shabek’s lab employs structural biology, genetics, and proteomics to unravel signaling cascades, with a focus on ubiquitin ligases and hormone perception. They maintain active collaborations and mentor graduate students in plant and structural biology disciplines.