Schramm to speak on protein action at Discovery Lecture
Vern Schramm, Ph.D., whose studies of protein action have led to drugs now in clinical trials, will deliver the next Discovery Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 30.
Vern Schramm, Ph.D.
His lecture, “Enzymatic Transition States and Drug Design,” will begin at 4 p.m. in 208 Light Hall.
Schramm is the Ruth Merns Chair of the Department of Biochemistry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
Protein enzymes catalyze nearly all of the chemical reactions necessary for biological life. By studying transition state structures — the “in-between” stages — of enzymatic reactions, Schramm and colleagues have been able to design powerful inhibitors that block enzyme action.
These inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials for treating autoimmune diseases and several types of cancer.
Schramm has received numerous honors including the 2006 Repligen Award from the Biological Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society, the Rudi Lemberg Award from the Australian Academy of Science, and the Harry Eagle Award for Outstanding Basic Science Teaching from Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Schramm's lecture is sponsored by the Vanderbilt Department of Biochemistry.
For a complete schedule of the Discovery Lecture series and archived video of previous lectures, go to www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/discoveryseries.