Israeli Scientists Unveil New Method to Track Key Gene Activity in Brain

Jerusalem: Israeli researchers have developed a method to measure the activity of a crucial cell-division gene in the brain, Tel Aviv University announced on Tuesday.

This technique, detailed in Nature Methods, is expected to enhance scientists' understanding of cellular growth and division, potentially leading to advancements in treatments for cancer, autism, epilepsy, and other serious conditions.

In the human body, cells continuously regulate their size and division rate to adapt to their surroundings—an essential process for normal development. Any disruption in this regulation can contribute to diseases such as cancer, as well as neurological and developmental disorders. Proper control of cell growth is especially crucial in early brain development, particularly within the first few years of life.

A key regulator of this process is the Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) gene, which plays a vital role in signaling cells to halt growth. This function is critical for maintaining appropriate cell size and state. Mutations that impair PTEN activity have been associated with various conditions, including autism, epilepsy, and certain cancers.

The newly developed tool, as reported by Xinhua news agency, enables direct and highly sensitive measurement of PTEN activity across different research models, including mouse brain studies. By integrating advancements in genetic engineering and microscopy, this cutting-edge technology provides deeper insights into PTEN’s role in brain development and its impact on associated disorders.

Scientists believe that this will significantly improve the ability to study PTEN-related diseases and may pave the way for personalized therapeutic approaches. By monitoring PTEN activity in different biological settings, the method could help detect diseases at earlier stages, potentially leading to more effective interventions.

This discovery marks a step forward in neuroscience and molecular biology, offering researchers a powerful tool to unravel the complexities of brain development and disease. Furthermore, this method could support drug development by allowing scientists to assess the effectiveness of potential treatments targeting PTEN-related pathways. With its potential applications spanning multiple fields, this innovation represents a crucial advancement in both basic research and clinical medicine, offering new hope for tackling complex brain disorders.