Sidney Altman

Sidney Altman

Sidney Altman (May 7, 1939 – April 5, 2023) was a Canadian-American molecular biologist and chemist, renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of RNA. His most notable achievement, for which he shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1989 with Thomas R. Cech, was the discovery of the catalytic properties of RNA, leading to the concept of the ribozyme. This work not only expanded the understanding of RNA's role beyond its previously thought function as a mere intermediary between DNA and proteins but also laid foundational knowledge for the field of RNA biology.

Early Life and Education

Sidney Altman was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He pursued his undergraduate studies in Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), graduating in 1960. Following his interest in molecular biology, he then moved to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned his Ph.D. in biophysics in 1967. His doctoral research focused on the physical properties of nucleic acids, particularly RNA, which would become the central theme of his career.

Career and Research

After completing his Ph.D., Altman conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University, where he began exploring the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. In 1971, he joined the faculty of Yale University, where he made his most significant discovery. Altman's research demonstrated that RNA could act as a catalyst in cellular reactions, a function previously believed to be exclusive to proteins. This discovery of ribozymes challenged the existing dogma of molecular biology and suggested a new understanding of the early evolution of life, hinting at an RNA world where RNA molecules played a central role in both genetic information storage and biochemical reactions.

Nobel Prize

In 1989, Sidney Altman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, jointly with Thomas R. Cech, for their independent discoveries concerning the catalytic properties of RNA. Their work fundamentally changed the understanding of how biological reactions are catalyzed and has had profound implications for the study of the origin of life, molecular evolution, and the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Later Years and Legacy

Following his Nobel Prize win, Altman continued to contribute to the field of molecular biology at Yale University. His later research focused on the applications of ribozymes, including their potential use in gene therapy and as antibacterial agents. Altman's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of molecular biology, chemistry, and medicine, inspiring further research into the multifaceted roles of RNA in biology and disease. Altman's contributions to science were recognized with numerous awards and honors besides the Nobel Prize, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of Canada. His legacy is not only in his scientific discoveries but also in his role as a mentor to the next generation of scientists.

Death

Sidney Altman passed away on April 5, 2023, leaving behind a rich legacy in the field of molecular biology. His pioneering work on ribozymes continues to influence a wide range of scientific disciplines, from evolutionary biology to medical research.