Roderick MacKinnon: Difference between revisions
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| caption = MacKinnon in 2014 | | caption = MacKinnon in 2014 | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|02|19}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|02|19}} | ||
| birth_place = [[Burlington, Massachusetts]], | | birth_place = [[Burlington, Massachusetts]], U.S. | ||
| nationality = American | | nationality = American | ||
| spouse = [[Jue Chen (scientist)|Jue Chen]] (2017–) | | spouse = [[Jue Chen (scientist)|Jue Chen]] (2017–) | ||
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*[[The Rockefeller University]] | *[[The Rockefeller University]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
| | | education = {{plainlist| | ||
*[[Brandeis University]] ([[ | *[[Brandeis University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]]) | ||
*[[Tufts University School of Medicine|Tufts University]] ([[M. D.|MD]]) | *[[Tufts University School of Medicine|Tufts University]] ([[M. D.|MD]]) | ||
}} | }} | ||
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===Early life and education=== | ===Early life and education=== | ||
MacKinnon was born in [[Burlington, Massachusetts]] and initially attended the [[University of Massachusetts Boston]]. MacKinnon then transferred to [[Brandeis University]] after one year, and there he received a bachelor's degree in [[biochemistry]] in 1978, studying [[calcium]] transport through the [[cell membrane]] for his honors thesis in Christopher Miller's laboratory. It was also at Brandeis where MacKinnon met his future wife and working-colleague Alice Lee.<ref name="autobio">{{cite book|last=MacKinnon|first=Roderick|title=The Nobel Prizes 2003|editor=Tore Frängsmyr|publisher=Nobel Foundation|location=Stockholm, Sweden|date=October 2003|access-date=11 February 2010|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2003/mackinnon/auto-biography/}}</ref> | MacKinnon was born in [[Burlington, Massachusetts]] and initially attended the [[University of Massachusetts Boston]].<ref name="nobelprize.org">{{cite web |title=Roderick MacKinnon – Facts |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2003/mackinnon/facts/ |website=NobelPrize.org |publisher=Nobel Prize organisation}}</ref> MacKinnon then transferred to [[Brandeis University]] after one year, and there he received a bachelor's degree in [[biochemistry]] in 1978, studying [[calcium]] transport through the [[cell membrane]] for his honors thesis in Christopher Miller's laboratory. It was also at Brandeis where MacKinnon met his future wife and working-colleague Alice Lee, who is an organic chemist.<ref name="autobio">{{cite book|last=MacKinnon|first=Roderick|title=The Nobel Prizes 2003|editor=Tore Frängsmyr|publisher=Nobel Foundation|location=Stockholm, Sweden|date=October 2003|access-date=11 February 2010|url=https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2003/mackinnon/auto-biography/}}</ref><ref name="nobelprize.org" /> | ||
After receiving his bachelor's degree from [[Brandeis University]], MacKinnon entered medical school at [[Tufts University]].<ref name="pmid11385491" /> He got his M.D. in 1982 and received training in Internal Medicine at [[Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center|Beth Israel Hospital]] in Boston. He did not feel satisfied enough with the medical profession, so in 1986 he returned to Christopher Miller's laboratory at Brandeis for postdoctoral studies.<ref name="autobio" /> | After receiving his bachelor's degree from [[Brandeis University]], MacKinnon entered medical school at [[Tufts University]].<ref name="pmid11385491" /> He got his M.D. in 1982 and received training in Internal Medicine at [[Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center|Beth Israel Hospital]] in Boston. He did not feel satisfied enough with the medical profession, so in 1986 he returned to Christopher Miller's laboratory at Brandeis for postdoctoral studies.<ref name="autobio" /> | ||
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==Scientific contributions== | ==Scientific contributions== | ||
Potassium channels demonstrate a seemingly counterintuitive activity: they permit the passage of potassium ions, whereas they do not allow the passage of the much smaller [[sodium]] ions. Before MacKinnon's work, the detailed molecular architecture of potassium channels and the exact means by which they conduct ions remained speculative.{{ | Potassium channels demonstrate a seemingly counterintuitive activity: they permit the passage of potassium ions, whereas they do not allow the passage of the much smaller [[sodium]] ions. Before MacKinnon's work, the detailed molecular architecture of potassium channels and the exact means by which they conduct ions remained speculative.{{verify source|date=May 2025}} | ||
In 1998, despite barriers to the [[structural biology|structural]] study of [[integral membrane protein]]s that had thwarted most attempts for decades, MacKinnon and colleagues determined the three-dimensional molecular structure of a potassium channel from an actinobacterium, ''Streptomyces lividans'', utilizing [[X-ray crystallography]]. With this structure and other biochemical experiments, MacKinnon and colleagues were able to explain the exact mechanism by which [[Potassium channel#Selectivity filter|potassium channel selectivity]] occurs.<ref name="pmid9525854">{{cite journal |vauthors=MacKinnon R, Cohen SL, Kuo A, Lee A, Chait BT |title=Structural conservation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic potassium channels |journal=Science |volume=280 |issue=5360 |pages=106–9 |date=April 1998 |pmid=9525854 |doi=10.1126/science.280.5360.106 |bibcode = 1998Sci...280..106M }}</ref><ref name="pmid9525859">{{cite journal |vauthors=Doyle DA, Morais Cabral J, Pfuetzner RA, etal |title=The structure of the potassium channel: molecular basis of K+ conduction and selectivity |journal=Science |volume=280 |issue=5360 |pages=69–77 |date=April 1998 |pmid=9525859 |doi=10.1126/science.280.5360.69 |bibcode=1998Sci...280...69D}}</ref> | In 1998, despite barriers to the [[structural biology|structural]] study of [[integral membrane protein]]s that had thwarted most attempts for decades, MacKinnon and colleagues determined the three-dimensional molecular structure of a potassium channel from an actinobacterium, ''Streptomyces lividans'', utilizing [[X-ray crystallography]].<ref name="nobelprize.org" /> With this structure and other biochemical experiments, MacKinnon and colleagues were able to explain the exact mechanism by which [[Potassium channel#Selectivity filter|potassium channel selectivity]] occurs.<ref name="pmid9525854">{{cite journal |vauthors=MacKinnon R, Cohen SL, Kuo A, Lee A, Chait BT |title=Structural conservation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic potassium channels |journal=Science |volume=280 |issue=5360 |pages=106–9 |date=April 1998 |pmid=9525854 |doi=10.1126/science.280.5360.106 |bibcode = 1998Sci...280..106M }}</ref><ref name="pmid9525859">{{cite journal |vauthors=Doyle DA, Morais Cabral J, Pfuetzner RA, etal |title=The structure of the potassium channel: molecular basis of K+ conduction and selectivity |journal=Science |volume=280 |issue=5360 |pages=69–77 |date=April 1998 |pmid=9525859 |doi=10.1126/science.280.5360.69 |bibcode=1998Sci...280...69D}}</ref> | ||
His prize-winning research was conducted primarily at the [[Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source]] (CHESS) of [[Cornell University]], and at the [[National Synchrotron Light Source]] (NSLS) of [[Brookhaven National Laboratory]].<ref name="bnlnobel">{{cite web|url=http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/history/nobel/nobel_03.asp|title=The Chemistry of the Cell|publisher=Brookhaven National Lab|access-date=13 March 2010}}</ref> | His prize-winning research was conducted primarily at the [[Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source]] (CHESS) of [[Cornell University]], and at the [[National Synchrotron Light Source]] (NSLS) of [[Brookhaven National Laboratory]].<ref name="bnlnobel">{{cite web|url=http://www.bnl.gov/bnlweb/history/nobel/nobel_03.asp|title=The Chemistry of the Cell|publisher=Brookhaven National Lab|access-date=13 March 2010}}</ref> | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
==Business activities== | ==Business activities== | ||
MacKinnon is co-inventor with his friend and scientific collaborator, neurobiologist Bruce Bean of [[Harvard Medical School]], of a [[dietary supplement]] for treating and preventing muscle cramps; they tested it in clinical trials and are co-founders a company to commercialize their invention, Flex Pharma.<ref>{{cite news|title=A Scientific Solution to (Finally) Stop Muscle Cramps|url=http://www.outsideonline.com/2007171/scientific-solution-muscle-cramps|access-date=20 July 2016|publisher=Outside|date=1 September 2015}}</ref> [[Christoph Westphal]] and Jennifer Cermak were co-founders as well.<ref name=XconomyFlexFounding>{{cite news|last1=Fidler|first1=Ben|title=To Fight Cramps, Christoph Westphal Taps Boston All-Stars for $40M|url=http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2014/09/09/to-fight-cramps-christoph-westphal-taps-boston-all-stars-for-40m/|work=Xconomy|date=9 September 2014}}</ref> | MacKinnon is co-inventor with his friend and scientific collaborator, neurobiologist Bruce Bean of [[Harvard Medical School]], of a [[dietary supplement]] for treating and preventing muscle cramps; they tested it in clinical trials and are co-founders a company to commercialize their invention, Flex Pharma.<ref>{{cite news|title=A Scientific Solution to (Finally) Stop Muscle Cramps|url=http://www.outsideonline.com/2007171/scientific-solution-muscle-cramps|access-date=20 July 2016|publisher=Outside|date=1 September 2015}}</ref> [[Christoph Westphal]] and Jennifer Cermak were co-founders as well.<ref name=XconomyFlexFounding>{{cite news|last1=Fidler|first1=Ben|title=To Fight Cramps, Christoph Westphal Taps Boston All-Stars for $40M|url=http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2014/09/09/to-fight-cramps-christoph-westphal-taps-boston-all-stars-for-40m/|work=Xconomy|date=9 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Weisman |first1=Robert |title=Flex Pharma developing treatments for muscle cramps - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/10/22/flex-pharma-developing-treatments-for-muscle-cramps-elite-athletes-and-disrupted-sleepers/pRDgW2KIwog6f2n4YX2OpO/story.html |website=BostonGlobe.com |publisher=Boston Globe}}</ref> | ||
The company undertook [[drug development]] of a formulation of supplement as a drug candidate for neuromuscular disorders like [[ALS]], and raised a $40 million Series A round.<ref name=XconomyFlexFounding/><ref name=FierceFlexFounding>{{cite news|last1=Carroll|first1=John|title=Christoph Westphal launches another biotech, with the help of some wealthy friends|url=http://www.fiercebiotech.com/venture-capital/christoph-westphal-launches-another-biotech-help-of-some-wealthy-friends|work=FierceBiotech|date=September 8, 2014|language=en}}</ref> The company had an $86 million [[initial public offering]] in 2015.<ref name=FierceFlexIPO>{{cite news|last1=Garde|first1=Damian|title=Flex Pharma pulls off an $86M IPO for its cramp-treating spice cocktail|url=http://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/flex-pharma-pulls-off-an-86m-ipo-for-its-cramp-treating-spice-cocktail|access-date=20 July 2016|publisher=Fierce Biotech|date=28 January 2015}}</ref> In 2016, the company launched "HotShot" as a dietary supplement for endurance athletes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fuel Buzz: New HotShot Drink Aimed at Preventing Cramps|url=http://running.competitor.com/2016/06/news/fuel-buzz-new-hotshot-drink-aimed-preventing-cramps_151129|access-date=20 July 2016|publisher=Competitor|date=2 June 2016}}</ref> In June 2018 the company halted clinical development of the drug candidate due to tolerability issues, cut its workforce, and said it was considering its strategy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Al Idrus |first1=Amirah |title=Flex Pharma dumps midstage trials, cuts workforce, mulls a sale to stay alive |url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/flex-pharma-dumps-midstage-trials-cuts-workforce-mulls-a-sale-to-stay-alive |work=FierceBiotech |date=June 13, 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=10Q Quarterly Report |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1615219/000161521918000052/flks2018063010-q.htm |website=www.sec.gov |publisher=Flex via SEC Edgar |date=1 August 2018}}</ref> In July 2018 MacKinnon resigned from the board of directors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Form 8K |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1615219/000161521918000042/a8-kforrm.htm |publisher=Flex via SEC Edgar |date=25 July 2018}}</ref> | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
Latest revision as of 11:57, 1 January 2026
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Roderick MacKinnon (born February 19, 1956[1]) is an American biophysicist, neuroscientist, and businessman. He is a professor of molecular neurobiology and biophysics at Rockefeller University who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry together with Peter Agre in 2003 for his work on the structure and operation of ion channels.[2][3][4]
Biography
Early life and education
MacKinnon was born in Burlington, Massachusetts and initially attended the University of Massachusetts Boston.[5] MacKinnon then transferred to Brandeis University after one year, and there he received a bachelor's degree in biochemistry in 1978, studying calcium transport through the cell membrane for his honors thesis in Christopher Miller's laboratory. It was also at Brandeis where MacKinnon met his future wife and working-colleague Alice Lee, who is an organic chemist.[6][5]
After receiving his bachelor's degree from Brandeis University, MacKinnon entered medical school at Tufts University.[4] He got his M.D. in 1982 and received training in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. He did not feel satisfied enough with the medical profession, so in 1986 he returned to Christopher Miller's laboratory at Brandeis for postdoctoral studies.[6]
Career
In 1989 he was appointed assistant professor at Harvard University[7][8] where he studied the interaction of the potassium channel with a specific toxin derived from scorpion venom, acquainting himself with methods of protein purification and X-ray crystallography. In 1996 he moved to Rockefeller University as a professor and head of the Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Biophysics where he started to work on the structure of the potassium channel. These channels are of particular importance to the nervous system and the heart and enable potassium ions to cross the cell membrane.
Scientific contributions
Potassium channels demonstrate a seemingly counterintuitive activity: they permit the passage of potassium ions, whereas they do not allow the passage of the much smaller sodium ions. Before MacKinnon's work, the detailed molecular architecture of potassium channels and the exact means by which they conduct ions remained speculative.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
In 1998, despite barriers to the structural study of integral membrane proteins that had thwarted most attempts for decades, MacKinnon and colleagues determined the three-dimensional molecular structure of a potassium channel from an actinobacterium, Streptomyces lividans, utilizing X-ray crystallography.[5] With this structure and other biochemical experiments, MacKinnon and colleagues were able to explain the exact mechanism by which potassium channel selectivity occurs.[9][10]
His prize-winning research was conducted primarily at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) of Cornell University, and at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) of Brookhaven National Laboratory.[11]
MacKinnon was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2005.[12] In 2007 he became a foreign member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.[13]
Awards and recognition
- 1997: Newcomb Cleveland Prize[1]
- 1998: W. Alden Spencer Award[1]
- 1999: Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award[14]
- 2000: Rosenstiel Award[1]
- 2001: Gairdner Foundation International Award[1]
- 2003: Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize[1]
- 2003: Nobel Prize in Chemistry[1]
Business activities
MacKinnon is co-inventor with his friend and scientific collaborator, neurobiologist Bruce Bean of Harvard Medical School, of a dietary supplement for treating and preventing muscle cramps; they tested it in clinical trials and are co-founders a company to commercialize their invention, Flex Pharma.[15] Christoph Westphal and Jennifer Cermak were co-founders as well.[16][17]
The company undertook drug development of a formulation of supplement as a drug candidate for neuromuscular disorders like ALS, and raised a $40 million Series A round.[16][18] The company had an $86 million initial public offering in 2015.[19] In 2016, the company launched "HotShot" as a dietary supplement for endurance athletes.[20] In June 2018 the company halted clinical development of the drug candidate due to tolerability issues, cut its workforce, and said it was considering its strategy.[21][22] In July 2018 MacKinnon resigned from the board of directors.[23]
References
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External links
- Interview with Roderick MacKinnon by Harry Kroto Freeview video provided by the Vega Science Trust.
- Website of his lab at The Rockefeller University
- Ion Channel Chemistry: The Electrical System of Life Transcribed video of a May 2008 talk by MacKinnon, sponsored by the Oregon State University Libraries.
- Nobel Lecture by Roderick MacKinnon, 2003
- Introduction to Neuroscience by Donald C.Cooper
- Template:Nobelprize
Template:Nobel Prize in Chemistry Laureates 2001-2025 Template:2003 Nobel Prize winners
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