Robert Lefkowitz

Robert Lefkowitz. He is an American physician and biochemist renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries concerning G protein-coupled receptors, a large family of cell surface receptors that mediate physiological responses to hormones and neurotransmitters. His work, conducted primarily at Duke University and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, fundamentally transformed the field of signal transduction and modern drug discovery. For these contributions, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2012, shared with his former trainee Brian Kobilka.

Early life and education

Born in The Bronx, he attended the Bronx High School of Science, a prestigious institution known for producing numerous Nobel laureates. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Columbia University in 1962. He then pursued his medical degree at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in 1966. His clinical training included an internship and residency at the Columbia University Medical Center, followed by clinical and research fellowships at the National Institutes of Health under the mentorship of Jesse Roth.

Career and research

After his tenure at the National Institutes of Health, he joined the faculty of Duke University in 1973, where he has spent his entire academic career. His early research focused on isolating and characterizing the beta-adrenergic receptor, the receptor for hormones like adrenaline. In a landmark 1986 publication, his team cloned the gene for the beta-2 adrenergic receptor, revealing it was the first member of the vast G protein-coupled receptor family to be identified. This work paved the way for the cloning of hundreds of related receptors. His laboratory, in collaboration with Brian Kobilka, later achieved the first X-ray crystallography structure of a G protein-coupled receptor bound to its G protein, providing unprecedented atomic-level insight into its signaling mechanism.

Awards and honors

His scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. These include the National Medal of Science, presented by President George W. Bush in 2007, and the Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine that same year. In 2009, he received the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Biomedicine. The pinnacle of recognition came in 2012 when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, jointly with Brian Kobilka. He is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Personal life

He was married to Arna Brandel, with whom he had five children. Following her passing, he married Lynn Tilley, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in 2007. An avid storyteller, he authored a memoir, *A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm*, detailing his journey from the The Bronx to the Nobel Prize. He maintains a strong connection to his roots in New York City and is known for his engaging mentorship style and commitment to training future scientists at Duke University.

Legacy and impact

His elucidation of the structure and function of G protein-coupled receptors is considered one of the most significant contributions to modern pharmacology and biochemistry. These receptors are the target for approximately one-third to one-half of all modern pharmaceutical drugs, including treatments for conditions like hypertension, asthma, and various psychiatric disorders. His mentorship of scientists like Brian Kobilka and Marc Caron has perpetuated his influence across generations. His work continues to inspire research in structural biology and drug design at institutions worldwide.

Category:American biochemists Category:American Nobel laureates Category:Nobel laureates in Chemistry Category:National Medal of Science laureates Category:Duke University faculty Category:Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators Category:Columbia University alumni Category:1943 births Category:Living people