Brian Kobilka Autograph

Profession:
(1955-) American Nobel Prize winning professor in the departments of Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Year of Birth: 1955

Brian Kobilka is an American physician and Nobel laureate who was born on May 30, 1955, in Little Falls, Minnesota. He is best known for his groundbreaking work on G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a highly significant area of research in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Kobilka earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1977. He then went on to pursue a medical degree at Yale University School of Medicine, graduating in 1981. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, he joined the laboratory of Lefkowitz at Duke University Medical Center as a postdoctoral fellow in 1984.

During his time at Duke University, Kobilka made significant contributions to the understanding of GPCRs, particularly by cloning the gene for the beta-adrenergic receptor. This groundbreaking achievement allowed for detailed investigations into the structure and function of GPCRs, opening up new avenues for drug discovery and development.

In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Kobilka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2012, alongside Robert Lefkowitz. This prestigious honor serves as a testament to Kobilka's contributions to the field of biochemistry and his impact on drug development and discovery.

Today, Kobilka continues to be actively involved in research and academia. He is a professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University School of Medicine and serves as a co-director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute.

Brian Kobilka's research has not only revolutionized our understanding of GPCRs but has also paved the way for the development of new drugs and treatments for various diseases. His dedication to scientific exploration and commitment to excellence have made him one of the most influential figures in the field of biochemistry.