Nobel Prize Winners Mark 20th Anniversary
The Technion marks two decades since the groundbreaking achievement of Distinguished Professor Avraham Hershko and Distinguished Professor Aaron Ciechanover, members of the Bruce and Ruth Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry – the first Nobel Prize in the field of sciences, awarded in Israel.
In 2024, the Technion commemorates 100 years of research, teaching, and building a legacy defined by innovation, leadership, and excellence, both locally and internationally.
This week, the Technion commemorates the 20th anniversary of one of its most significant milestones – the historic announcement by the Nobel Prize Committee to award the prestigious Nobel Prize to Distinguished Professor Avram Hershko and Distinguished Professor Aaron Ciechanover. The prize was awarded for their groundbreaking discovery of one of the most vital processes in cellular biology—protein degradation.
Distinguished Professor Aaron Ciechanover (left) at the Nobel Prize ceremony
The human cell contains thousands of proteins that carry out essential functions. These proteins are continuously breaking down and renewing, enabling the cell to maintain proper function. Disruptions in this continuous cycle can impair cellular function and lead to various diseases.
The pioneering research of Distinguished Professor Hershko and Distinguished Professor Ciechanover and their Nobel co-recipient, Professor Irwin Rose, began in the 1970s. At the time, global research primarily focused on the formation of proteins, but the three researchers adopted an original approach, shifting the focus to the mechanisms of protein degradation. Their revolutionary insights not only reshaped our understanding of cellular processes but also proved to have far-reaching practical applications.
Distinguished Professor Avram Hershko (left) at the Nobel ceremony
Thanks to their research, it was discovered how the cell identifies, and marks proteins destined for degradation using a molecule called ubiquitin. These tagged proteins, whether defective or no longer needed, are then transported to proteasomes – specialized complexes responsible for breaking them down. This process is vital for maintaining cellular health and stability.
These discoveries led to a deeper understanding of diseases caused by disruptions in protein degradation, including cancer, cystic fibrosis, inflammation, and neurological diseases. This knowledge continues to drive the development of innovative treatments and medications for these diseases and serves as a foundation for further extensive research.
For this invaluable contribution, Distinguished Professor Avram Hershko, Distinguished Professor Aaron Ciechanover, and Professor Irwin Rose received the highest international honor in the scientific world – the Nobel Prize.