Nobel Prize in Chemistry
2012
Robert J. Lefkowitz
Born: 15 April 1943 in New York, NY
Education:
-Bronx High School of Science
-Columbia University
-Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Place of Work When Awarded:
-Duke University Medical Center
-Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Field of Study: Biochemistry
Fun Facts:
-Jewish
-5 kids: David, Larry,Cheryl, Mara, & Joshua
Brian K. Kobilka
Education:
-Little Falls High School
-University of Minnesota
-Yale University Medical School
Place of Work When Awarded:
-Stanford University School of Medicine
Field of Study: Biochemistry
Fun Facts:
-Loves bicycling
-2 kids: Megan & Jason
What They Did
- Mapped how a family of receptors called G-protein– coupled receptors (GPCRs) work
- In order to find the receptors, Lefkowitz attached radioactive iodine to different hormones.
- Once the hormones stuck to the surface of a cell, the radiation from the iodine then showed the location of the receptor
- Lefkowitz focuses on receptors for adrenaline and nonadrenaline
- Kobilka began to hunt for the gene in 1980s
- Later, Lefkowitz concluded that there was a complete family of receptors that interact with G-Proteins
- Created an image of the receptor by crystallizing the GPCR
- Was discovered that receptors are multi-functional
Why They Won
Problem Solved: revealed new ways for medication to target illnesses
How it Added to Previous Knowledge: scientists knew of the existent of receptors, but knew very little about them. Lefkowitz and Kobilka identified receptors, explored their structures and their functions and captured an image of a receptor, furthering our information and knowledge of how to target cells.
How It's Being Used: in medicines
Future: information can be used to further engineer and create medicines targeting the receptors in cells