Renato Dulbecco

Renato Dulbecco

Renato Dulbecco (February 22, 1914 – February 19, 2012) was an Italian-American virologist who made fundamental contributions to the field of virology, particularly in the study of how viruses can cause cancer. His pioneering research led to him being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1975, which he shared with Howard Temin and David Baltimore for their discoveries concerning the interaction between tumor viruses and the genetic material of the cell.

Early Life and Education

Renato Dulbecco was born in Catanzaro, Italy. He began his studies in medicine at the University of Turin, where he was influenced by the work of Giuseppe Levi, who also mentored other future Nobel laureates such as Salvador Luria and Rita Levi-Montalcini. Dulbecco received his medical degree in 1936 and initially focused on surgery before shifting his interest towards research in virology.

Career and Research

During World War II, Dulbecco served in the Italian Army and later joined the resistance movement against the Fascist regime. After the war, he moved to the United States to work with Salvador Luria at Indiana University. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career in virology and molecular biology. Dulbecco's most significant contribution was his work on the poliovirus, which laid the groundwork for understanding how viruses can alter the DNA of host cells. He developed techniques to grow poliovirus in cultures of animal cells, which was a crucial step in studying the virus's life cycle and pathogenesis. This research was instrumental in the development of vaccines and therapeutic strategies against viral diseases. In the 1960s, Dulbecco turned his attention to the study of animal viruses, particularly those that cause tumors. He was among the first to demonstrate that certain viruses could integrate their genetic material into the DNA of host cells, leading to cancer. This discovery was pivotal in establishing the field of cancer research and has had a profound impact on the development of new cancer therapies.

Nobel Prize

In 1975, Renato Dulbecco was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Howard Temin and David Baltimore for their discoveries concerning the interaction between tumor viruses and the genetic material of the cell. Their work laid the foundation for the understanding of oncogenes and the molecular mechanisms of cancer development.

Later Years and Legacy

After receiving the Nobel Prize, Dulbecco continued his research, focusing on the role of viruses in cancer and the genetic control of cell growth. He was also instrumental in initiating the Human Genome Project, highlighting the importance of mapping the human genome for understanding genetic diseases, including cancer. Renato Dulbecco's contributions to virology and cancer research have left an indelible mark on the scientific community. His work has paved the way for numerous advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of viral diseases and cancer. Dulbecco passed away on February 19, 2012, but his legacy continues to influence the fields of virology and molecular biology.