Edmond H. Fischer

Edmond H. Fischer (April 6, 1920 – August 27, 2021) was a Swiss-American biochemist who, along with his colleague Edwin G. Krebs, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1992 for their discoveries concerning reversible protein phosphorylation as a biological regulatory mechanism.

Early Life and Education

Fischer was born in Shanghai, China, to a Swiss family. He attended secondary school in Switzerland and later studied at the University of Geneva, where he earned his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1947. His early research focused on the structure and function of enzymes.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Fischer moved to the United States and joined the faculty at the University of Washington in Seattle. It was here that he began his groundbreaking work on protein phosphorylation with Edwin G. Krebs. Their research demonstrated that the addition and removal of phosphate groups to proteins could regulate their activity, a process that is fundamental to many cellular functions.

Protein Phosphorylation

Protein phosphorylation is a critical mechanism in the regulation of various cellular processes, including cell division, metabolism, and signal transduction. Fischer and Krebs discovered that this process is reversible and is mediated by enzymes known as kinases and phosphatases. Their work laid the foundation for understanding how cells respond to external signals and maintain homeostasis.

Awards and Honors

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Fischer received numerous other awards and honors throughout his career. These include the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, the Gairdner Foundation International Award, and election to the National Academy of Sciences.

Personal Life

Fischer was married and had three children. He continued to be active in research and academia well into his later years, contributing to the scientific community until his passing in 2021.

Legacy

Edmond H. Fischer's contributions to biochemistry have had a lasting impact on the field. His work on protein phosphorylation has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of cellular regulation and has paved the way for the development of new therapeutic strategies for various diseases.

See Also

• Edwin G. Krebs
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Protein phosphorylation
• Kinase
• Phosphatase