Lynne E. Maquat Wins 2021 Wolf Prize in Medicine for RNA Biology Breakthroughs
Lynne E. Maquat, Ph.D., has been awarded the prestigious 2021 Wolf Prize in Medicine. This honour recognises her groundbreaking work in biology, particularly her discovery of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD).
Maquat's journey in biology spans over four decades. In 1981, she published a seminal paper revealing NMD's role in human cells and its link to disease. NMD acts as a cellular surveillance system, identifying and eliminating mRNAs with premature termination codons. This prevents the production of truncated, potentially harmful proteins, protecting against genetic disorders like beta thalassemia and cystic fibrosis.
Her work has opened avenues for biology-based therapeutics, with mRNA vaccines, such as those for COVID-19, now a reality. Maquat shares this award with Joan Steitz and Adrian Krainer, fellow pioneers in biology. She has also received other notable honours, including the Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences (2018) and the Canada Gairdner International Award (2015).
Lynne E. Maquat's pioneering work in biology has transformed our understanding of gene expression and its role in disease. The 2021 Wolf Prize in Medicine acknowledges her significant contributions to the field, paving the way for future biology-based therapies.
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