Nobel laureate in Chemistry visits Faculty of Science, Mahidol University to deliver special lecture on phenomenon of destruction of protein, which is the key to human survival. Understanding of this phenomenon leads to development of cancer drugs and drugs that correct neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Prof. Dr. Skorn Mongkolsuk, Dean, Faculty of Science revealed that the Faculty of Science in collaboration with the International Peace Foundation have organized special lectures by Nobel Laureates in various fields since 2005, and this Thursday, April 10, 2008, Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 2004 will deliver special lecture entitled "Life and death – Why our proteins have to die so we shall live" which will be organized in L01 at Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Rd between 14:00-15:00. The special lecture is open to public free of charge. Advance online registration can be done at www.sc.mahidol.ac.th or register on the day of the event. This special lecture is a part of 50th Anniversary of Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, and honorary Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology will preside over the opening ceremony of the special lecture.

The reasons why we should concern about “Life and death – Why our proteins have to die so we shall live” is because proteins are mechanics in our body that concern with every activity no matter it may walking, seeing, hearing, heart beating, digestion, breathing, or excreting unwanted waste from the body. Proteins are transient, and are constantly destroy and synthesize endlessly. Each day, approximately 10% of protein in our body are destroyed and replaced. Many interesting questions include 1) why are our proteins destroyed, 2) what is the mechanism of destruction, 3) what happen if this mechanism go wrong, and 4) how can we correct the abnormality? These are challenging questions that await proof.

In this special lecture, Prof. Dr. Ciechanover will explain the phenomenon of protein destruction and illustrate the importance of basic research that lead to development of various drugs such as cancer drugs and drugs that correct neurological disorders. This special lecture is very much expected to benefit students, researchers, and general public.