People I (Mostly) Admire 65. A Rockstar Chemist and Her Cancer-Attacking “Lawn Mower”
Mar 5, 2022
Carolyn Bertozzi is a Stanford professor and a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, known for her groundbreaking work in bioorthogonal chemistry. In a fascinating discussion, she shares her innovative approaches to immune therapy and how glycobiology plays a crucial role in cancer treatment. Carolyn also ponders the allure of a rock star lifestyle versus her scientific career, offering playful insights into her love for music and the importance of women in chemistry. The conversation seamlessly weaves in both personal aspirations and the challenges of translating science into tangible healthcare solutions.
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Blurring Disciplinary Lines
- The line between biology and chemistry is increasingly blurred.
- Many things once considered biology are now studied by chemists, especially at the molecular level.
Glycans: The Cellular QR Code
- Human cells are coated in glycans, which act like QR codes.
- These complex sugars provide information to other cells, changing dramatically in cancerous cells.
Mowing the Cancer Lawn
- Carolyn Bertozzi's lab developed "lawnmower" medicines to target sialic acid, a sugar linked to cancer.
- These enzymes, attached to antibodies, cut off excess sialic acid on cancer cells, making them vulnerable to the immune system.