Joining ranks that include Albert Einstein and Alexander Graham Bell, two professors from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have been elected by their peers to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in recognition of their important research.
Dr. Edward De Robertis, Norman Sprague professor of biological chemistry and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. His isolation of genes that control head-to-tail and back-to-belly patterning in frog and mouse embryos led to the discovery that all animals' development is controlled by an ancient genetic toolkit. This work is aimed at understanding cell signaling, a fundamental problem in stem cell biology and cancer.
Ernest Wright, distinguished professor of physiology and Sherman M. Mellinkoff distinguished professor in medicine. Wright’s research focuses on the structure, function and genetics of membrane transport proteins, which act as the gatekeepers for the body by carrying essential molecules in and out of cells. Research in Wright's laboratory on the cloning and function of glucose transporters has already led to the development of new drugs to control diabetes.
The election of De Robertis and Roberts brings the number of current UCLA academy members to 43.
The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863. The academy acts as an official adviser to the federal government in any matter of science or technology.
Pictured on left, Ernest Wright, on right, Edward De Robertis.
