Nobel laureate Prof Semenza receives Genome Valley Excellence Award

Hyderabad, Feb 27 (IANS) – Nobel Prize-winning pediatrician Prof Gregg L. Semenza was honored with the Genome Valley Excellence Award for 2024 by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the 21st edition of BioAsia. Prof Semenza’s groundbreaking discovery in the field of genetics has paved the way for innovative treatments in various diseases.

Prof Semenza’s remarkable contribution to unveiling the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1 protein) has revolutionized the understanding of gene expression in response to oxygen fluctuations. Currently serving as the C. Michael Armstrong Professor of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA, his work has significantly impacted the treatment of diseases like cancer, anemia, blinding eye diseases, and cardiovascular disorders.

Expressing his gratitude, Prof Semenza credited the International Advisory Board of BioAsia for recognizing his efforts in translating basic science discoveries into effective therapies for common diseases. He emphasized the importance of developing novel inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factors for potential applications in diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and cancer treatment.

His groundbreaking research in cellular oxygen sensing during the 1990s led to the identification of molecular mechanisms regulating gene activity under varying oxygen levels. These discoveries hold great promise for the development of new treatment approaches for anemia, cancer, and various other conditions. Prof Semenza was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2019 for his pioneering work on cellular oxygen adaptation.

The Genome Valley Excellence Award for 2024 acknowledges Prof Gregg L. Semenza’s significant contributions to the field of genetic medicine, highlighting the impact of his research on advancing treatments for a wide range of diseases. The recognition serves as a testament to his dedication and groundbreaking discoveries in biology and medicine.