Idan Cohen, PhD
A human embryo inherits genes from parental sperm and egg, and as the fetus develops, different genes are expressed (turned on) in different cells at different times: liver genes are “on” in liver cells, lung genes in lung cells, etc. Each type of cell contains a protein complex that safeguards its healthy on-off function, which can be corrupted by various factors. Dr. Cohen’s lab identified a gene-inhibiting protein linked to the life-threatening human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and is testing whether it can be used as a therapeutic target.
