Aaron Ciechanover's Group (»Add to Infobox)

General description: The group is involved in studying basic aspects in the involvement of the ubiquitin system in the mechanisms that underlie malignant transformation. Within this context, we are studying several subjects. We have identified novel E3 that targets Myc and study its biological significance and role in regulating this growth promoting factor to which several different ligases have been discovered. We are studying the role and regulation of Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins – IAPs, that target caspases for degradation and their dysregulation in cancer which is involved in rendering tumours resistant to ant-cancer therapies such as radio- and chemotherapy. Another subject of research in the group is the dysregulated processing of the NF-kB precursor, p105, which activates this strong anti-apoptotic transcriptional factor, an activation that also leads to the resistance of cancer cells to conventional therapies. Role in RUBICON: The group will identify and characterize novel ubiquitin ligases, E3s, involved in activation of NF-kB, in targeting of Myc and Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins – IAPs, and modulating the activity of E3 PolyComb complexes. Following this initial phase, the role of these proteins in pathogenesis of cancer will be studied, using tissue culture, animal models, and human tumours as experimental platforms. Identification of the structure of these proteins and their regulators will allow development of agents that regulate them and that can serve as potential therapeutic modalities.

MEMBERS (8/8)

Ciechanover Aaron, Professor (Principal Investigator / Aaron Ciechanover's Group)