Dr. Greider was responsible for the discovery and isolation of the enzyme telomerase, which controls elongation of telomeric sequences at the ends of chromosomes normally lost during DNA replication. This fundamental discovery led to her being awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and marked a critical milestone for our understanding of chromosomal structure, function and cellular survival.
Dr. Grieder ‘s focus on the cellular and genetic consequences of telomere dysfunction has increased the overall understanding of cancer as well as age-related diseases. Her research has demonstrated that telomere shortening can result in the formation of chromosomal rearrangements and cancer, leading to subsequent research aimed at investigating the role of telomeres in the treatment of cellular aging and various cancers.
Career Highlights
2017 Alma Dea Morani M.D., Renaissance Woman Award
2010 Elected Member, Institute of Medicine
2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
2009 The Pearl Meister Greengard Prize
2009 Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter-Prize
2007 Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize
2007 The Dickson Prize in Medicine
2006 Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research
2006 The Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences
2003 Elected Member, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC
1999 Rosenstiel Award in Basic Medical Research
1999 Passano Foundation Award
1998 Gairdner Foundation Award
1996 AACR Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cancer Research (Rhoads Award)
1994 AACR-Gertrude Elion Cancer Research Award
1987 PhD, University of California, Berkeley