Earl Wilbur Sutherland Jr.

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 in the action of hormones. His pioneering research laid the foundational understanding for the role of cAMP in cellular signaling, earning 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 developed an interest in the chemical aspects of biology. Sutherland continued his education at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he received his M.D. in 1942. His early career was marked by a focus on biochemistry and pharmacology, fields that would define his professional pursuits.

Career and Research

After completing his medical degree, Sutherland served as a World War II army physician, which delayed his entry into research. Post-war, he joined the Washington University in St. Louis, where he began his investigations into the mechanisms of hormone action. It was during his tenure at Washington University, and later at the University of Miami and Vanderbilt University, that Sutherland made his most significant discovery - the identification of cyclic AMP (cAMP) as a second messenger in cells.

Sutherland's work demonstrated that when hormones bind to receptors on the surface of a cell, they activate an enzyme inside the cell that increases the levels of cAMP. This molecule then acts as a signaling agent, triggering various cellular processes. This discovery was groundbreaking because it elucidated how hormones exert their effects from outside the cell, solving a major question in biology and pharmacology at the time.

Nobel Prize

In 1971, Earl W. Sutherland Jr. was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine "for his discoveries concerning the mechanisms of the action of hormones," specifically highlighting his work on cAMP. This accolade recognized the profound impact of his research on understanding cell signaling and hormone action, which has implications for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new therapeutic approaches.

Legacy

Sutherland's discovery of cAMP as a second messenger has had a lasting impact on the fields of biochemistry and pharmacology. It opened up new avenues for research into the cellular mechanisms underlying hormone action, signaling pathways, and the regulation of cellular processes. His work has influenced the development of drugs targeting cAMP pathways for various diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

Death

Earl W. Sutherland Jr. passed away on March 9, 1974. Despite his relatively early death, his contributions to science have continued to influence research and medical treatments.

See Also

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Signal transduction
• Hormone