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. The honour recognises her pioneering work in RNA biology, particularly her groundbreaking discovery of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD).
Maquat's 1981 paper was a turning point, revealing NMD's role in human cells and its potential to cause disease. This major surveillance system protects against errors in gene expression, but it can also destroy mRNAs with premature termination codons due to mutations, as Dr. Haya Lorberbaum discovered in her research on Thalassemia Major.
Maquat shares the Wolf Prize with Joan Steitz, Ph.D., and Adrian Krainer, Ph.D., for their collective advancements in RNA biology. Her work has opened avenues for RNA-based therapeutics, with mRNA vaccines, like those for COVID-19, now in the public spotlight.
Lynne E. Maquat's contributions to RNA biology have earned her numerous accolades, including election to prestigious academies and significant awards. Her work continues to pave the way for innovative treatments and a deeper understanding of RNA's role in health and disease.
