US scientist Carolyn Bertozzi almost stopped breathing when she was informed that her discovery in cell-linking chemistry would be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Being the eighth woman in human history, this is an even more breath-taking accomplishment.
Professor Barry Sharpless, winner of the 2002 Nobel Prize for chemistry, and Danish Professor Morten Meldad, were just as blown away when they were informed that they had also won the Nobel Prize. Separately, these three scientists’ work came together in a mosaic that could have the potential to transform modern medicine, with promising aspects regarding cancer treatments.
The foundations they put in place to navigate the newfound field of “click chemistry” are what Professor Bertozzi was able to manipulate and morph to be used for living cells.
According to the BBC, click chemistry functions on the attachment of molecules due to bioconjugation which is the formation of a strong bond between two molecules. These molecules clicked together via mechanisms that involved the use of copper ions, making this impossible as copper would kill the living cells.
Professor Bertozzi was able to contribute to Professor Sharpless and Meldal’s work through use of alternative reactive components to achieve molecular attachment. Her discoveries eliminated the need for copper ions, meaning that click chemistry could now be used in living cells, which could open up a door of revolutionary options.
The ability to bind living cells to one another via click chemistry allows for cell targeting and the development of cancer treatments in ways that exclusively target tumor cells, sparing other healthy cells from adverse effects. This functional scientific advancement can also allow the location and identification of molecules we never knew existed.
The mechanisms that have been discovered due to these three scientists’ profound work could have the power to transform modern medicine for those suffering, increasing gratitude for the work of researchers.
