The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded three scientists the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering work on protein structures and their functions.
The laureates—Dr. Brian Kobilka, Dr. Elizabeth A. Komives, and Dr. David R. Liu—have made significant breakthroughs that have transformed the field of protein research, with profound implications for pharmaceutical development, disease prevention, and medical treatment.
The prize recognizes these researchers' contributions to advancing our understanding of proteins, the building blocks of life, which play a central role in virtually all biological processes. The laureates’ discoveries are now at the forefront of developing targeted treatments for cancer, Alzheimer's, and autoimmune disorders.
Dr. Brian Kobilka, known for his earlier work on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), was honoured for developing innovative methods to determine the precise structures of proteins. His work in elucidating how proteins change their shape and function within cellular membranes has opened new pathways for drug discovery, particularly in developing therapies that target specific receptors involved in disease.
Dr. Elizabeth A. Komives was recognized for her research on protein-ligand interactions, which has provided more profound insight into how proteins bind to small molecules and other proteins. Her work has important implications for understanding how diseases like cancer progress at the molecular level and how new drugs can be designed to disrupt these interactions, preventing disease onset.
Dr. David R. Liu, a leading figure in protein engineering, received the prize for developing innovative technologies such as base editing and directed evolution. These techniques allow scientists to modify proteins with unprecedented precision, creating new proteins with enhanced or entirely new functions. Liu's work has been instrumental in the creation of novel therapies for genetic diseases, as well as in advancing gene-editing technologies.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded annually to honour outstanding contributions in the field, underscores protein research's central role in advancing human health. The work of these three scientists promises to fuel continued innovation in biotechnology and medicine, improving treatment options for a wide range of diseases and conditions.
This year’s prize highlights the importance of understanding proteins at the molecular level, particularly as researchers continue exploring new therapeutic possibilities and applications in health care.
