Errol Friedberg

Errol C. Friedberg (cropped)

Errol Friedberg was a prominent American biologist and physician known for his significant contributions to the field of molecular biology and DNA repair. He was born on June 29, 1937, and passed away on January 19, 2019. Friedberg's work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the mechanisms that maintain the integrity of the genome.

Early Life and Education

Errol Friedberg was born in South Africa. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then pursued a medical degree at the same institution, graduating with an MBChB.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Friedberg moved to the United States to further his research career. He joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a postdoctoral fellow, where he began his pioneering work on DNA repair mechanisms.

Friedberg held several academic positions throughout his career, including a professorship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He was also the chair of the Department of Pathology at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Research Contributions

Friedberg's research focused primarily on the mechanisms of DNA repair, a critical process that corrects damage to the DNA molecule. His work helped to elucidate the pathways involved in nucleotide excision repair, base excision repair, and mismatch repair. These pathways are essential for maintaining the stability of the genome and preventing mutations that can lead to cancer and other diseases.

One of Friedberg's notable achievements was his role in the discovery of the XPB and XPD genes, which are involved in the nucleotide excision repair pathway. Mutations in these genes are associated with the genetic disorder xeroderma pigmentosum, which increases the risk of skin cancer due to an inability to repair UV-induced DNA damage.

Publications and Awards

Errol Friedberg authored several influential books and numerous scientific articles. His book, "DNA Repair and Mutagenesis," co-authored with Graham C. Walker, Wolf-Dietrich Heyer, Richard D. Wood, and Roger A. Schultz, is considered a seminal text in the field of DNA repair.

Throughout his career, Friedberg received numerous awards and honors, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellowship and the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS) Award.

Legacy

Errol Friedberg's contributions to the field of molecular biology and DNA repair have had a profound impact on our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that protect the genome from damage. His work continues to influence research in genetics, oncology, and molecular medicine.

See Also

• DNA repair
• Nucleotide excision repair
• Base excision repair
• Mismatch repair
• Xeroderma pigmentosum
• Genome stability