Iranian missile-damaged lab in Israel continues to drive groundbreaking metabolic research

ANI
26 Aug 2025, 00:06 GMT+10

Tel Aviv [Israel], August 25 (ANI/TPS): A research team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has discovered a cellular mechanism acting as a 'metabolic control system' that regulates energy use and blood sugar levels, paving the way for next-generation treatments for metabolic diseases, diabetes, and even cancer.

The study, led by Prof. Ehud Ohana and PhD student Noa Yehoshua, identified two key transport proteins in liver cells--NaCT and Glut--that work in perfect coordination to monitor nutrient availability and optimise energy management. The findings, published in Nature Communications, reveal that cells actively 'negotiate' their nutrient intake rather than passively responding to hormones like insulin.

Experiments in mice showed that targeting this synchronised transport system with specific molecules dramatically lowered blood glucose levels by around 20 per cent after a single weekly treatment, highlighting potential therapeutic applications for diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, and cancer. Cancer cells, the researchers note, exploit this system by altering Glut and NaCT expression to promote uncontrolled growth, making the mechanism a promising target for future anti-cancer therapies.

Despite suffering significant damage in the Iranian missile strike on Soroka University Medical Centre in June, Prof. Ohana's lab has fully resumed operations, supported by the university and its Health Sciences faculty.

BGN Technologies, Ben-Gurion University's commercialisation arm, plans to collaborate with international partners to translate these findings into innovative treatments for millions worldwide. (ANI/TPS)

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Greek Herald.

More Information

null in null

International Business

Section

German unemployment hits ten-year high

The countrys economy is facing a third consecutive year without growth Unemployment in Germany has risen to its highest level in...

President Murmu honours former UBI CEO Manimekhalai with SCOPE Eminence Award for outstanding women leadership

New Delhi [India], August 29 (ANI): The Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) has conferred the Eminence Award for Outstanding...

India's economy grows 7.8% in Q1 2025-26

New Delhi [India], August 29 (ANI): India's real GDP has been estimated to grow by 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of the financial...

India's MedTech sector projected to grow 3x of global market: Report

New Delhi [India], August 29 (ANI): The domestic medical technology (MedTech) sector is projected to grow three times of the global...

GDRFA Dubai wins 6 accolades at Stevie International Business Awards

DUBAI, 29th August, 2025 (WAM) -- The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has announced...

ICC partners with Google to boost Women's Cricket engagement

Dubai [UAE], August 29 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a partnership with Google on Friday, which will enhance...

Mediterranean

Section