BALTIMORE — A Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine professor has been awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine by the Royal Swedish Academy of Science.
Doctor Gregg L. Semenza is known for his research on the the molecular mechanisms of oxygen regulation, and uncovering how cells adapt to changing oxygen levels.
The Academy specifically recognized him for his discovery in the laboratory of HIF-1, which helps cells cope with low oxygen levels.
Semenza's discovery is a major breakthrough in understanding health conditions like coronary artery disease and tumor growth.
HIF-1 specifically controls genes involved in the generation of new low oxygen red blood cells and the growth of new blood vessels.
Semenza is now studying the role HIF-1 could have in cancer, ischemia and chronic lung disease,
Along with Semenza, the award was also given to Doctor William G. Kaelin, Jr. of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Peter J. Ratcliffe of Oxford University.
Each will receive their medal at a ceremony in Sweden to be scheduled at a later time.
To learn more on Doctor Semenza's HIF-1 discovery watch below.
