General Introducion

The Cancer and Stem Cell Research Laboratory was established in 2019 with the aim of studying cancer diseases, understanding their underlying mechanisms, and developing new therapeutic approaches. The laboratory focuses on investigating the molecular pathways that drive cancer development, with particular emphasis on the role of stem cells in tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. It also works on developing advanced therapeutic strategies—including genetic engineering and stem cell transplantation—which contribute to significant progress in modern medicine.

The laboratory studies the effects of various substances and drugs on cancer cells and examines how these agents influence cellular processes at the molecular level. This includes DNA extraction, genetic variation analysis through advanced techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, as well as the use of Western Blotting for protein analysis to determine drug-induced changes in key cellular proteins.

In addition to molecular analysis, the laboratory conducts detailed tissue studies using advanced histological techniques to better understand structural and functional alterations in cancerous tissues. Experimental treatments under development are also tested in animal models—particularly mice—to assess their efficacy and potential side effects. Through this integrated approach, the laboratory aims to generate comprehensive scientific insights that contribute to improving cancer therapies and advancing the overall understanding of this complex disease.

Vision:
To become a leading center in cancer and stem cell research, contributing to scientific progress that brings meaningful, positive change to patients’ lives.

Mission:
To advance the understanding of cancer and stem cell functions through innovative research and the development of new technologies.

  1. Advance scientific understanding of cancer and develop innovative, effective therapeutic techniques that improve patients’ quality of life and reduce the global burden of the disease.
  2. Investigate genetic and proteomic alterations that lead to cancer development and tumor growth, including mutations responsible for resistance to conventional therapies.
  3. Test novel drugs targeting molecular pathways associated with cancer cell proliferation and evaluate their effects on DNA and proteins.
  4. Examine histological changes in cancer cells to assess treatment effectiveness.
  5. Establish animal models (such as mice) to study the efficacy and safety of new drugs in a fully integrated biological environment.
  6. Explore the potential use of stem cells in repairing tissue damaged by cancer or its treatments and identify methods to target cancer stem cells without affecting healthy cells.
  7. Publish research in reputable scientific journals to advance knowledge in cancer and stem cell fields, and strengthen collaboration with research centers and universities worldwide.
  8. Translate laboratory findings into clinical trial stages to develop treatments applicable to patients.
  9. Identify genes and pathways that distinguish cancer from normal (stem) cells, isolate tissue-specific stem cells, determine conditions for tissue regeneration, develop novel cancer and regenerative medicine therapeutics, correct disease-causing genes (gene therapy), and promote tissue regrowth.
  10. Ultimately translate scientific discoveries into clinical applications by collaborating with academic and industrial partners to ensure the widest possible impact.

1. Sample Preservation Equipment

  • CO₂ Incubator: Provides controlled temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentration for optimal cell growth.
  • Laboratory Refrigerator: Stores chemicals, culture media, and biological samples.
  • Laboratory Freezer: Used for long-term storage of biological samples such as plasma, DNA/RNA, and tissues at −20°C or −80°C.

2. Biosafety and Protection Systems

  • Biological Safety Cabinet: Protects users and samples from contamination through controlled airflow and filtration.
  • Fume Hood: Used for handling hazardous or volatile chemicals by removing toxic fumes from the laboratory space.

3. Microscopy Equipment

  1. Light Microscope: Used to magnify samples using optical lenses and light.
  2. Inverted Microscope: Designed for observing live cells in culture dishes, with the light source and lenses positioned below the specimen.

4. Centrifugation and Mixing Systems

  • Centrifuges: Separate sample components based on density.
  • High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge: Provides high rotational speeds with cooling for sensitive samples.
  • PCR Plate Centrifuge/Vortex: Combines centrifugation and vortexing to mix PCR plate samples uniformly.

5. Analytical Instruments

  • PCR Thermal Cycler: Amplifies DNA for molecular biology applications.
  • Spectrophotometer: Measures light absorption of samples at specific wavelengths.
  • pH Meter: Measures the acidity or alkalinity of solutions.
  • Laboratory Balances: Highly accurate instruments for measuring small quantities of materials.

6. Heating and Stirring Devices

  • Hot Plate Stirrer: Combines heating and magnetic stirring for uniform solution mixing.
  • Water Bath: Maintains samples at a constant temperature without direct flame exposure.
  • Heating Block: Provides precise temperature control for tubes—ideal for PCR preparation, chemical dissolution, and sample incubation.
  • Laboratory Oven: Used for drying, sterilizing, or heating equipment and samples at high temperatures.

7. Sectioning Equipment

  • Microtome: Cuts extremely thin tissue sections for microscopic analysis.
  • Freezing Microtome: Allows sectioning of frozen samples without chemical fixation.

8. Imaging and Protein Analysis Systems

  • Azure 280 Imaging System: Used to visualize and document biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids after gel electrophoresis, using fluorescence and chemiluminescence for precise quantification.
  • Western Blot Equipment: Includes gel electrophoresis units, transfer systems, and imaging devices for identifying proteins using antibodies.
  • New diagnostic tests versus conventional urine culture for diagnosis of urinary tract infection
  • The Role of miR-126 in Angiogenesis in Diabetic Vasculopathy patients in Palestine
  • The effect of synthetic chemical compounds on melanoma and breast cancer cells
  • Medicinal plants effects on cancer cells, including inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, and suppressing metastasis, often through bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids.
  • Hematopoiesis and HSCs expansion in vitro
  • Inflammation and colitis
  • Plasminogen, plasmin, and their receptors (such as uPAR), are fibrinolytic factors that alter clot resolution, cytokine activation, immune cell recruitment, and tissue remodeling. Excessive activation of these factors can lead to hyperinflammation, coagulopathy, and damage to multiple organs.
  • Role of Egfl7/ miR-126 in inflammation and diabetes
  • Role of LAT-1 in breast cancer and metastasis
  • Metformin and melanoma cancer regulation
  • Synthetic cupper compounds inhibiting colon cancer progression
  • The University of Tokyo
  • Juntendo University
  • Stanford University
  • Institute of medical Sciences/ Tokyo University
  • PLC pharm care company
  • Sukhtian group
  • Higher Council for Innovation and Excellence
  • Birzeit University
  • Al-Quds University

The laboratory provides students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge cancer and stem cell research techniques, enhancing their scientific skills and preparing them for promising research careers.

Location: Building No. 17, Ground Floor (G0091), Faculty of Medicine and Allied Medical Sciences

An-Najah National University, An-Najah National University
Office Tel: +970 (9) 2345113 (Ext. 2788)
Mobile: +972-569-450026
Fax: +970 (9) 2345982
Personal Email: [email protected]
Laboratory Email: [email protected]