Gerty Cori

Gerty Theresa Radnitz Cori (1896-1957) and Carl Ferdinand Cori - restoration1

National Science Board Members, July 1951

Glucose 1-phosphate

Gerty Theresa Cori (August 15, 1896 – October 26, 1957) was a pioneering biochemist who, along with her husband Carl Ferdinand Cori, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947 for their discovery of the course of the catalytic conversion of glycogen. Their work laid an important foundation for understanding the biochemical processes of living cells. Gerty Cori was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Early Life and Education

Gerty Cori was born as Gerty Theresa Radnitz in Prague, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in the Czech Republic). She was interested in medicine from a young age, inspired by her uncle, who was a professor of pediatrics. She pursued her education at the German University of Prague, where she received her Doctor of Medicine in 1920. It was there she met Carl Cori, whom she married in 1920.

Career and Research

After their marriage, the Coris moved to Vienna, but due to the lack of research opportunities, they emigrated to the United States in 1922. They initially worked at the State Institute for the Study of Malignant Diseases in Buffalo, New York (now the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center). In 1931, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where Gerty Cori became a research associate, and later a professor, at the Washington University School of Medicine. Despite facing gender-based discrimination, including lower pay than her male counterparts and delayed academic promotion, Gerty Cori's research thrived.

The Coris' most significant contribution was their discovery of the Cori cycle, an important part of glucose metabolism. They demonstrated how glycogen is broken down into glucose in muscles and then synthesized back into glycogen in the liver. This work not only advanced the understanding of metabolic pathways but also had implications for the treatment of diabetes.

Legacy and Honors

Gerty Cori's achievements were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Nobel Prize, she was awarded the Garvan-Olin Medal in 1948, becoming the first woman to receive this honor. She was also a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Gerty Cori's legacy extends beyond her scientific achievements. She paved the way for women in science, demonstrating that women could lead and excel in medical research. Her work continues to inspire generations of scientists.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Gerty Cori died on October 26, 1957, from myelosclerosis, a rare disease of the bone marrow. After her death, her contributions to science and her role as a trailblazer for women in the field have been increasingly recognized. The Gerty Cori crater on the Moon and the Cori crater on Venus are named in her honor, as well as several institutions and awards.

See Also

• Carl Ferdinand Cori
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Metabolism
• Glycogen
• Diabetes