James Rothman
James Edward Rothman (born November 3, 1950) is an American biochemist and cell biologist renowned for his work in the fields of cell biology and biochemistry. Rothman is best known for his discoveries concerning the vesicle trafficking system of cells, a process critical for the movement of molecules inside cells and the secretion of substances outside of cells. His pioneering research has significantly contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms that mediate vesicle fusion, which is essential for the transfer of materials within and between cells. For his contributions to the field, Rothman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013, sharing the prize with Randy Schekman and Thomas C. Südhof for their discoveries of machinery regulating vesicle traffic, a major transport system in our cells.
Early Life and Education
James Rothman was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He developed an interest in biology early in life, which led him to pursue his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he majored in physics. After completing his bachelor's degree, Rothman shifted his focus to biological sciences for his graduate studies. He earned his Ph.D. in biological chemistry from Harvard University in 1976, where he worked under the guidance of Eugene Kennedy studying the biosynthesis of cellular membranes.
Career and Research
After completing his Ph.D., Rothman held various academic and research positions. He started his career at Stanford University, where he began his lifelong research into cell biology and the mechanics of vesicle trafficking. Rothman's work has been instrumental in understanding how vesicles — small sac-like structures that transport proteins and lipids within cells — are able to fuse with their target membranes in a highly specific and regulated manner.
In the 1980s, Rothman proposed the SNARE hypothesis, which suggests that a set of proteins known as SNAREs are critical for the docking and fusion of vesicles with their target membranes. This hypothesis has been extensively validated by subsequent research and is considered a fundamental principle in the field of cellular transport mechanisms.
Throughout his career, Rothman has been affiliated with several prestigious institutions, including Columbia University, where he served as the director of the Columbia Genome Center, and Yale University, where he has been a Sterling Professor of Cell Biology. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors in addition to the Nobel Prize, including the Lasker Award and the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience.
Legacy and Impact
James Rothman's discoveries have had a profound impact on the field of cell biology, providing a molecular framework for understanding how cells organize their internal transport systems. His work has implications for a wide range of biological processes and diseases, including diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and conditions affecting the immune system. By elucidating the mechanisms of vesicle trafficking, Rothman's research has also paved the way for the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting cellular transport systems.
Selected Publications
Rothman has authored numerous scientific papers and articles throughout his career. Some of his most cited works include studies on vesicle fusion and the role of SNARE proteins in membrane trafficking. His publications are considered essential reading for researchers in the fields of biochemistry and cell biology.
See Also
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD