Paul L. Modrich

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Paul L. Modrich
BornJune 13, 1946
NationalityAmerican
Alma materMassachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University
Known forDNA mismatch repair
AwardsNobel Prize in Chemistry (2015)
Scientific career
FieldsBiochemistry
InstitutionsDuke University
Doctoral advisorRobert Lehman



Paul Lawrence Modrich (born June 13, 1946) is an American biochemist known for his research on DNA mismatch repair. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2015, along with Tomas Lindahl and Aziz Sancar, for their mechanistic studies of DNA repair.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Paul L. Modrich was born in Raton, New Mexico. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968. He then pursued his Ph.D. at Stanford University, working under the supervision of Robert Lehman. His doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of DNA replication.

Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his Ph.D., Modrich conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University before joining the faculty at Duke University in 1976. At Duke, he has held various positions, including James B. Duke Professor of Biochemistry.

Research[edit | edit source]

Modrich's research has significantly advanced the understanding of DNA mismatch repair, a crucial process that corrects errors that occur during DNA replication. His work has elucidated the molecular mechanisms by which cells maintain genetic stability, preventing mutations that could lead to cancer and other diseases.

Awards and honors[edit | edit source]

In recognition of his contributions to the field of biochemistry, Modrich has received numerous awards, including:

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Modrich is married to fellow scientist Vickers Burdett, and they have one child. He continues to be active in research and mentoring young scientists.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD