Roles of Nanos family members in cancer progression

Nanos proteins bind to messenger RNAs, which are normally responsible for the synthesis of proteins that are essential for proper embryonic development, particularly the genitals. In this way regulate Nanos-proteins, the stability of these important RNA's. We discovered that this Nanos-proteins in certain tumors (eg. In the prostate or lung) are created on abnormally high manner. Furthermore, such activation was found to increase the malignant characteristics of the tumor cells. Our project aims to study these phenomena thoroughly, so that this knowledge can hopefully lead to improved diagnosis and possibly better treatment of such tumors. Our studies include several high-technological approach roads so the chances of new and useful insights gained are maximized.