"As a pioneer in the crystallography of ribosomes, we are impressed with her incredible tenacity," said Andrew R. Marks, M.D., chair of the Horwitz Prize Committee, as well as the Wu Professor of Molecular Cardiology and chairman of the Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. "She was the first to believe that the structure of such a large assembly ribosomes could be obtained. And she stuck to this belief, despite widespread skepticism among her peers."
Ribosomes: Targets of Antibiotics
Dr. Yonath's work involves clarifying the internal mechanisms behind protein formation through the use of cryo-crystallography, a novel and groundbreaking technique that she envisioned and invented as part of her research. This technique is used to analyze ribosomes, which translate the genetic information of the cell into proteins that enable cells to specialize and function properly. Dr. Yonath's research, furthermore, has ramifications that go beyond basic scientific knowledge.
"Ribosomes are the targets of many antibiotics," said Dr. Marks. "Dr. Yonath's studies of bacterial ribosomes have allowed us to achieve greater insights into antibiotic action, selectivity, and resistance, with enormous implications for medicine in general--and the people who work so hard to develop drugs and treatments for infectious diseases in particular."
Dr. Yonath has received worldwide accolades and numerous awards for her breakthroug
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Contact: Elizabeth Streich
eas2125@columbia.edu
212-305-6535
Columbia University Medical Center
15-Nov-2005