Albert de la Chapelle

Albert de la Chapelle
Born	March 11, 1933 Helsinki, Finland
Died	December 10, 2020 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Nationality	Finnish
Alma mater	University of Helsinki
Known for	Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
Scientific career
Fields	Genetics, Cancer research
Institutions	Ohio State University, University of Helsinki

Albert de la Chapelle (March 11, 1933 – December 10, 2020) was a renowned Finnish geneticist known for his pioneering work in the field of cancer genetics, particularly in the study of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome. His research significantly advanced the understanding of genetic predispositions to cancer and contributed to the development of genetic testing and counseling.

Early Life and Education

Albert de la Chapelle was born in Helsinki, Finland. He pursued his medical degree at the University of Helsinki, where he developed an interest in genetics. He completed his M.D. in 1957 and later earned a Ph.D. in 1962, focusing on the genetic aspects of human diseases.

Career and Research

De la Chapelle began his career at the University of Helsinki, where he conducted groundbreaking research on the genetics of blood disorders and cancer. In the 1970s, he identified the genetic basis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, a major breakthrough that led to the identification of DNA mismatch repair genes associated with the condition.

In 1997, de la Chapelle joined the Ohio State University as a professor of Human Cancer Genetics. At Ohio State, he continued his research on cancer genetics, focusing on the identification of genetic mutations that increase cancer risk. His work has been instrumental in the development of genetic screening programs for families with a history of cancer.

Contributions to Genetics

Albert de la Chapelle's contributions to genetics are numerous. He was a pioneer in the use of linkage analysis to identify disease-causing genes. His work on Lynch syndrome has led to improved diagnostic criteria and management strategies for individuals at risk of colorectal cancer.

De la Chapelle also contributed to the understanding of genetic heterogeneity in cancer, demonstrating that different mutations can lead to similar clinical outcomes. This work has implications for personalized medicine and targeted therapies.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, de la Chapelle received numerous awards and honors, including the American Association for Cancer Research's Lifetime Achievement Award and the European Society of Human Genetics Award. He was a member of several prestigious scientific societies and served on the editorial boards of leading genetics journals.

Personal Life

Albert de la Chapelle was known for his dedication to mentoring young scientists and his passion for teaching. He was married and had two children. He passed away on December 10, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio.

Legacy

Albert de la Chapelle's legacy lives on through his contributions to the field of genetics and the many scientists he mentored. His work has had a lasting impact on the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary cancers, improving the lives of countless individuals and families.

Also see

• Lynch syndrome
• Genetic counseling
• Cancer genetics
• DNA mismatch repair
• Personalized medicine