James Rothman

Nobel prize for J.Rothman. Sthlm2013

James Edward Rothman (born November 3, 1950) is an American biochemist and cell biologist renowned for his work in the fields of cell biology and biochemistry. Rothman is best known for his discoveries concerning the vesicle trafficking system of cells, a process critical for the movement of molecules inside cells and the secretion of substances outside of cells. His pioneering research has significantly contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms that mediate vesicle fusion, which is essential for the transfer of materials within and between cells. For his contributions to the field, Rothman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013, sharing the prize with Randy Schekman and Thomas C. Südhof for their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells.

Early Life and Education

James Rothman was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He developed an interest in biology early in life, which led him to pursue his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he majored in physics. After completing his bachelor's degree, Rothman shifted his focus to biological sciences for his graduate studies. He earned his Ph.D. in biological chemistry from Harvard University in 1976, where he worked under the guidance of Eugene Kennedy studying the biosynthesis of cellular membranes.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Rothman held various academic and research positions. He started his career at Stanford University, where he began his lifelong research into cell biology and the mechanics of vesicle trafficking. Rothman's work has been instrumental in understanding how vesicles — small sac-like structures that transport proteins and lipids within cells — are able to fuse with their target membranes in a highly specific and regulated manner.

In the 1980s, Rothman proposed the SNARE hypothesis, which suggests that a set of proteins known as SNAREs are critical for the docking and fusion of vesicles with their target membranes. This hypothesis has been extensively validated by subsequent research and is considered a fundamental principle in the field of cellular transport mechanisms.

Throughout his career, Rothman has been affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including Columbia University, where he served as the director of the Columbia Genome Center, and Yale University, where he has been a Sterling Professor of Cell Biology. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors in addition to the Nobel Prize, including the Lasker Award and the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience.

Legacy and Impact

James Rothman's discoveries have had a profound impact on the field of cell biology, providing a molecular framework for understanding how cells organize their internal transport systems. His work has implications for a wide range of biological processes and diseases, including diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and conditions affecting the immune system. By elucidating the mechanisms of vesicle trafficking, Rothman's research has also paved the way for the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting cellular transport systems.

Selected Publications

Rothman has authored numerous scientific papers and articles throughout his career. Some of his most cited works include studies on vesicle fusion and the role of SNARE proteins in membrane trafficking. His publications are considered essential reading for researchers in the fields of biochemistry and cell biology.

See Also

• Cell biology
• Biochemistry
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Vesicle
• SNARE