A Cancer Turn-off

Professor Shaul Yalovsky of Tel Aviv University found that the fat molecule, or “switch” in plants, modulates a group of proteins called ROPs that are responsible for cell growth. Proteins very similar to ROPs also exist in humans. In humans, they are involved in wound healing, development of nerve cells in the brain, and also provide the chemical signals that tell cancer when to metastasize.

In a laboratory setting, Yalovsky and his research collaborators were able to use this switch mechanism in plants to reshape plant cells, grow new tissues, and respond to bacterial and viral invaders. The researchers believe they are now one-step away from turning off this ROP-like switch in humans—a process which could prevent tumor growth. For more information: shauly@tauex.tau.ac.il; +972-3-640-5268.