Wellcome Lecturer MIT molecular biologist

by Cindy A. Abole, Public Relations

Pioneering researcher and Massachusetts Institute of Technology biophysics professor Alexander Rich, M.D. will be the featured guest lecturer at the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Visiting Professorship Lecture at 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Basic Sciences Auditorium.

Presenting the topic “DNA as a Dynamic System: The Left-handed Form of DNA,” Rich will speak about the new strides in molecular biology spanning his 30 year career.

“This is a great opportunity to bring an expert of the caliber of Dr. Rich to MUSC,” said John N. Vournakis, Ph.D., professor of medicine and associate director for the Center for Molecular and Structural Biology. “In the area of research, it’s important for students and faculty to meet leaders. He definitely is a leader who will open people’s eyes and that’s a good thing.”

In the 1970s, Vournakis conducted his postdoctoral work on protein synthesis working with Rich at MIT.

The Wellcome Visiting Professorships in the Basic Medical Sciences are sponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and administered by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). The professorships are offered annually to U.S. universities, medical schools and other nonprofit scientific research institutions, to enable them to host distinguished scientists whose interests relate to anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology, biophysics, cell biology, immunology, and other scientific research. The professorships are intended to stimulate local interest in the basic sciences and to enhance communication among scientists in specific disciplines.

This Wellcome Lecture is sponsored by the Center for Molecular and Structural Biology (CMSB) at MUSC. MUSC has sponsored two prior Wellcome Visiting Professorships in 1989 and 1992.

Rich received his M.D. degree from Harvard University Medical School in 1949. He later completed postdoctoral training in the field of X-ray crystallographic techniques with two-time Nobel Prize laureate Linus Pauling at the California Institute of Technology. Rich’s fundamental contributions include the understanding of the polynucleic acid structure revealing the discovery of double and triple-stranded polynucleotides in 1956. Other significant scientific achievements include solving the three-dimensional structure of collagen—opening the field of research for the body’s study of degenerative diseases affecting cartilage and bone; determination of the three-dimensional structure of the transfer RNA molecule; and other significant three-dimensional models deciphering DNA.

Rich has authored nearly 500 publications in the field of molecular biology, molecular structure of nucleic acids and their components, physical chemistry of nucleotides and polynucleotides, molecular structure of proteins, mechanism of protein synthesis, and the origin of life.

One of the founding members of the Pugwash organization, Rich helped gather some of the world’s most eminent scientists dedicated to promoting scientific exchange by urging scientists to consider social, moral and ethical implications as they relate to weapons and other global-related science and technological problems.

Rich is also the co-founder of two successful New England-based biotechnology companies. Under Rich’s leadership, both companies have helped bridge the gap between basic science and applied science. Their work has helped influence the creation of successful medical products.

Professor Rich holds memberships with the National Academy of Sciences and recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the National Medal of Science. Faculty, students and the general public are invited to attend the Wellcome Lecture at 4 p.m., Sept. 24 in the Basic Sciences Auditorium.

A reception will immediately follow the lecture at the Wickliffe House. Rich will also present a scientific seminar entitled, “Structure and Function of a Pseudoknot Involved in Ribosomal Frameshifting” at 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25 in the Gazes Cardiac Institute conference room, room 125.

Following the seminar/program, Rich will meet with students involved in the College of Medicine’s Medical Scientist Training Program and other graduate researchers.

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