A groundbreaking scientific method developed at Tel Aviv University is poised to accelerate our understanding of PTEN, a gene crucial for cellular growth. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in treating various conditions, including developmental disorders and different forms of cancer. The study, led by Dr. Tal Laviv from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, was published in the esteemed journal Nature Methods (Genetically encoded biosensor for fluorescence lifetime imaging of PTEN dynamics in the intact brain).
The research team explains that cells in the human body continuously adjust their size and division rate to adapt to their environment throughout life. This process is vital for normal development, as cells undergo precise regulation of growth. Disruptions to this regulation can result in serious diseases, such as cancer and developmental disorders.
In the brain, regulating cellular growth is especially important during early development in the first few years of life. Numerous genes contribute to this regulation, but one gene in particular—PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue)—plays a central role. Mutations in PTEN are linked to various conditions, including autism, epilepsy, and cancer.
Dr. Tal Laviv states, “PTEN is essential for regulating cell growth in the brain by providing a stop signal. Its activity is crucial to maintaining cells at the right size and state. There’s growing evidence that mutations in PTEN, which reduce its activity, contribute to diseases like autism, macrocephaly, cancer, and epilepsy. Despite its critical role, scientists have lacked the tools to measure PTEN activity directly, especially in the intact brain, which would greatly enhance our understanding of its role in health and disease.”
Dr. Laviv and his team, led by MD-PhD student Tomer Kagan, have developed an innovative tool that directly measures PTEN activity with high sensitivity in multiple research models, including in the intact brains of mice. This pioneering technology, combining advancements in genetics and microscopy, will offer deeper insights into PTEN’s essential role in normal brain development and improve our understanding of PTEN-related diseases like cancer and autism.
The researchers anticipate that this new tool will facilitate the development of personalized treatments by monitoring PTEN activity in various biological settings. Additionally, it could aid in early disease detection, leading to faster and more effective therapies.
