Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center developmental biologist Dr. James Priess shares the 2022 Gruber Genetics Prize, awarded by the Gruber Foundation at Yale University. The $500,000 prize, which Priess shares with Drs. Ruth Lehmann and Geraldine Seydoux, recognizes the researchers’ pioneering discoveries regarding molecular mechanisms involved in embryonic development.
“Any biologist absolutely hopes what they do will impact human health, though often in basic sciences the way forward is to first understand the fundamental biology,” said Priess.
He discovered genes and cellular processes that allow the fertilized eggs of tiny worms called nematodes, one of the major animal models studied by developmental biologists, to transform into complex, multi-cellular animals.
“Jim really understands the power of genetics and he’s very creative,” said molecular biologist and Hutch colleague Dr. Susan Parkhurst. “When you put that combination together, it’s allowed him to take really innovative approaches to address challenging questions. His work is really beautiful and has stood the test of time: Time after time he’s made seminal discoveries that have set the foundation for his field.”
