Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A Doudna. (Twitter / Nobel Prize)
Charpentier, 51, and Doudna, 56, are only the sixth and seventh women to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
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- Last update: October 7, 2020 3:45 PM IST
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Emmanuelle Charpentier of France and Jennifer Doudna of the United States won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday for developing the gene-editing technique known as CRISPR-Cas9 DNA-cutting “scissors.”
“With these, researchers can change the DNA of animals, plants, and microorganisms with extremely high precision. This technology has had a revolutionary impact in the life sciences, is contributing to new cancer therapies, and may make the dream come true to cure hereditary diseases “. “said the Nobel jury.
“This technology has had a revolutionary impact in the life sciences, is contributing to new cancer therapies and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases a reality.”
Award winners Charpentier and Doudna discovered one of the sharpest tools in gene technology: the CRISPR / Cas9 genetic scissors. With these, researchers can change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision.
Charpentier, 51, and Doudna, 56, are only the sixth and seventh women to receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
While researching a common harmful bacteria, Charpentier discovered a previously unknown molecule: part of the bacteria’s ancient immune system that disarms viruses by cutting off parts of their DNA.
After publishing his research in 2011, Charpentier worked with Doudna to recreate the genetic scissors for the bacteria, simplifying the tool so that it was easier to use and apply to other genetic material.
They then reprogrammed the scissors to cut any DNA molecule at a predetermined location, paving the way for scientists to rewrite the life code where DNA is cut.
The CRISPR / Cas9 tool has already contributed to significant advances in crop resilience, altering their genetic code to better resist drought and pests.
Technology has also led to innovative cancer treatments, and many experts hope that it may one day make inherited diseases curable through genetic manipulation.
The first time a woman was honored with the chemistry award was in 1911 when Marie Curie, who also won the physics award in 1903, won for discovering the elements radium and polonium.
The couple will share 10 million Swedish crowns (about $ 1.1 million, 950,000 euros).
They would normally receive their Nobel from King Carl XVI Gustaf in a formal ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of the death in 1896 of scientist Alfred Nobel, who created the prizes in his last will and testament.
But the in-person ceremony was canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and replaced with a televised ceremony showing the laureates receiving their awards in their home countries.
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