Adrian Krainer (scientist)

American biochemist known for his work on RNA splicing

Adrian Krainer

Adrian Robert Krainer is an American biochemist renowned for his pioneering research in the field of RNA splicing. He is a professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and has made significant contributions to the understanding of spliceosome function and the development of therapies for genetic disorders.

Early life and education

Adrian Krainer was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and moved to the United States at a young age. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry. He then completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry at Harvard University, where he worked under the mentorship of Tom Maniatis, a prominent figure in the field of molecular biology.

Career

Krainer joined the faculty at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in 1986, where he has been a leading researcher in the study of RNA splicing. His work has focused on understanding the mechanisms by which the spliceosome, a complex molecular machine, removes introns from pre-mRNA transcripts. This process is crucial for the proper expression of genes and the production of functional proteins.

Research contributions

Krainer's research has significantly advanced the understanding of RNA splicing and its implications for human health. He has elucidated the role of splicing factors and their interactions with pre-mRNA, contributing to the broader understanding of gene regulation. His work has also highlighted the importance of alternative splicing in generating protein diversity and its impact on various biological processes.

One of Krainer's most notable achievements is his contribution to the development of nusinersen, a groundbreaking therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). SMA is a genetic disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. Krainer's research demonstrated that modulating splicing of the SMN2 gene could increase the production of functional SMN protein, offering a therapeutic strategy for SMA patients.

Awards and honors

Adrian Krainer has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and medicine. These include the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, the Wolf Prize in Medicine, and election to the National Academy of Sciences. His work has been widely recognized for its impact on both basic science and clinical applications.

Related pages

• RNA splicing
• Spliceosome
• Spinal muscular atrophy
• Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory