by Peter Nollert
September 28, 2010 00:57
Over the years there have been a number of Nobel Prizes awarded to scientists that have used their protein crystallization skills to provide unprecedented insight, usually at atomic resolution, into important biological processes. In appreciation of their contribution I had put these 12 crystallization heroes into the Protein Crystallizers Hall of Fame with the crystallization and structure determination of these proteins: Ribosome (2009), Water & Ion Channels (2003), RNA Polymerase (2006), Photosynthetic Reaction Centre (1988), Ion transporters (1997).
Which are the possible Protein Crystallization-related Nobel Prizes this year? What do you think - which of these target areas would you consider for a 2010 Nobel Prize (Chemistry or Medicine)?
Or here if you prefer to vote via your LinkedIn account:
There are plenty of reasons to select these protein structures since they have provided useful insight into biological function and should therefore be worthy a 2010 Nobel Prize:
Heat Shock proteins such as HSP90
Signal Transduction Molecules such as G-Protein Coupled Receptors
Molecular Pumps such as P-glycoprotein, Multidrug Resistance Transporters , or sodium/potassium pumps
Ion channel receptors such as the Acetylcholine Receptor and Mechanosensitive Channels Ubiquitin tagging system:
Viruses: Dengue , Tobacco Mosaic Virus , Parvovirus
Let's keep in mind though, that the Nobel Committee may take a break from structural biology in 2010 and focus on these areas that come to mind:
□ Discoveries of pluripotent stem cells / dentritic cells
□ Technologies: human genomics, sequencing, DNA microarrays
□ Pathways and Drugs: Leptin, DNA metallo intercalators
Now, with the 2010 Nobel Prize announcements coming up next week I'm keeping my fingers crossed for yet another award for this fine scientific craft. The announcements are expected to be made on
Monday 4 October, 11:30 a.m. Central European Time for Physiology or Medicine, and on Wednesday 6 October, 11:45 a.m. Central European Time for Chemistry
Regardless of the outcome next week, it's definitely an occasion that's worth getting a bottle of champagne out of fridge!
Cheers,
Peter