Robert J. Lefkowitz, M.D.

2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
2007 National Medal of Science

Dr. Lefkowitz studied and trained to become a physician at Columbia University, and upon completing his medical residency, research, and clinical training he was appointed Associate Professor of Medicine and Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Lefkowitz studies receptor biology and signal transduction. Acknowledging that each cell has a small receiver known as a receptor, which is able to receive hormones, Dr. Lefkowitz attached a radioactive isotope of iodine to the hormone adrenaline in 1968. By tracking the radiation emitted by the isotope, he succeeded in finding a receptor for adrenaline and studied how it functions. Approximately half of all medications used today make use of this kind of receptor.  He is currently an Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute as well as a James B. Duke Professor of Medicine and Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry at Duke University.