Breakthrough at Tel Aviv University: New method to study PTEN gene could transform cancer and autism research

February 28, Kathmandu:  A new scientific method developed at Tel Aviv University could revolutionize our understanding of the PTEN gene, linked to cancer and autism. Led by Dr. Tal Laviv from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, the study, published in Nature Methods, introduces a tool to measure PTEN activity with high precision. This breakthrough promises to shed light on cellular growth regulation, potentially advancing treatments for various conditions.

PTEN plays a vital role in controlling cell size and division, a process essential for normal development. Disruptions in this regulation can lead to diseases like cancer, epilepsy, and autism. In the brain, PTEN’s activity is critical during early development, acting as a “stop signal” to maintain proper cell function. Mutations reducing PTEN activity are associated with disorders such as macrocephaly and autism, yet tools to study it directly have been limited—until now.

Dr. Laviv’s team, led by MD-PhD student Tomer Kagan, developed a technology combining genetic tools and microscopy to measure PTEN activity in intact mouse brains. This innovation offers new insights into PTEN’s role in health and disease. The university spokesperson hailed it as a game-changer, potentially unlocking better understanding and therapies for PTEN-related conditions.