Earl Wilbur Sutherland Jr

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Earl Wilbur Sutherland Jr

Earl Wilbur Sutherland Jr. (November 19, 1915 – March 9, 1974) was an American pharmacologist and biochemist best known for his discovery of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as a second messenger. His pioneering research on the mechanisms of hormone action at the cellular level earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1971.

Early Life and Education

Earl W. Sutherland Jr. was born in Burlingame, Kansas. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1937. Following this, Sutherland enrolled at the Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned his M.D. in 1942. During his time at Washington University, he worked under the guidance of Carl Ferdinand Cori and Gerty Cori, both of whom were Nobel Laureates themselves.

Career and Research

After completing his medical degree, Sutherland served as a physician in the United States Army during World War II. Post-war, he returned to academic life and began his research career in earnest. He held positions at Washington University, where he started his research on hormones, and later at the University of Miami and Vanderbilt University, where his most notable work was conducted.

Sutherland's most significant contribution to science was the discovery of cAMP in 1957 while at Vanderbilt University. He demonstrated that cAMP acted as a second messenger, transmitting the effects of hormones like adrenaline and glucagon inside cells, which was a groundbreaking concept at the time. This discovery laid the foundation for understanding how hormones and other signaling molecules exert their effects in the body, influencing fields such as endocrinology, neuroscience, and pharmacology.

Legacy and Awards

For his discovery of cAMP, Sutherland received numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1971. His work has had a profound impact on the scientific understanding of cellular signaling processes and has influenced the development of drugs targeting these pathways.

Sutherland's legacy is also marked by his role as a mentor to future generations of scientists. Many of his students and postdoctoral fellows went on to have distinguished careers in biomedical research.

Death

Earl W. Sutherland Jr. passed away on March 9, 1974, in Miami, Florida. His death was a significant loss to the scientific community, but his discoveries continue to influence medical research and treatment strategies.

See Also

• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
• Signal transduction