G. Marius Clore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
G. Marius Clore
MAE FRSC FMedSci FRS
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Born |
Gideon Marius Clore
London, U.K.
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Citizenship | British, American |
Education | University College London and University College Hospital Medical School, London, U.K. |
Known for | Laying the foundations for three-dimensional protein structure determination in solution by NMR, developing innovative approaches for extending NMR to larger and more complex systems, and using NMR to uncover invisible states of proteins |
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Awards | •Member of the National Academy of Sciences •Fellow of the Royal Society •Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences •Foreign Member of the Academia Europaea •Royal Society of Chemistry Centenary Prize (2011) •Biochemical Society Centenary Award (2013) •Royal Society of Chemistry Khorana Prize (2021) |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Molecular Biophysics, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Structural Biology, Chemistry |
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Doctoral advisor | Sir Arnold Burgen FRS |
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G. Marius Clore is a famous scientist who studies how tiny parts of living things work. He was born in London, U.K., and is now a citizen of both the U.S. and the U.K. He is known for his important work in understanding the 3D shapes of proteins and other large molecules using a special method called NMR. Think of it like taking a super detailed picture of something incredibly small!
Dr. Clore has also found ways to study very large molecules and even "invisible" states of proteins. These invisible states are like secret shapes that proteins take on for a very short time. Understanding these hidden shapes helps us learn how our bodies work and could even lead to new medicines. He is a top scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S.
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About Marius Clore's Life and Work
Marius Clore started his journey in science by studying biochemistry at University College London in 1976. He also earned a medical degree in 1979. After working as a doctor for a short time, he focused on scientific research.
Early Research Career
From 1980 to 1984, he worked at the Medical Research Council in the U.K., where he earned his PhD in Physical Biochemistry. He then moved to Germany in 1984 to lead a department at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry.
Joining the NIH in the U.S.
In 1988, Dr. Clore moved to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the U.S. The NIH is a very important place for medical research. There, he worked with other scientists to develop new ways to use NMR to study proteins, especially those involved in diseases like HIV/AIDS. He has stayed at the NIH ever since and is now a distinguished investigator.
Why He's a Top Scientist
Dr. Clore has been recognized by many important scientific groups. He is a member of the United States National Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the Royal Society, which are huge honors for scientists. The Royal Society said that he "pioneered the development of NMR" for figuring out the 3D shapes of biological molecules. This means he was one of the first to do this important work and has kept pushing the boundaries of what NMR can do.
Discovering Protein Shapes and Hidden States
Dr. Clore's research has changed how we understand tiny biological molecules.
Seeing Molecules in 3D
He helped create and improve methods like three- and four-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. These methods are like advanced cameras that let scientists see the 3D structure of proteins and nucleic acids (like DNA) in a liquid environment. He also helped develop computer programs, like XPLOR-NIH, that scientists use to figure out these structures. His work has shown how proteins involved in signal transduction (how cells communicate) can recognize many different partners.
Finding Hidden Protein States
One of Dr. Clore's most exciting discoveries is finding "sparsely-populated states" of molecules. These are like secret, temporary shapes that molecules take on. They are very important for how molecules interact but are usually impossible to see with normal tools.
For example, he found out how DNA-binding proteins quickly find their specific spot on a long DNA strand. He also studied how proteins meet and interact, and how some proteins change shape to bind with other molecules. His work has even helped us understand how amyloid beta (a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease) forms harmful clumps. These discoveries could help in finding new ways to treat diseases.
Impact on Science
Dr. Clore is one of the most cited scientists in his field. This means many other scientists refer to his work in their own research. He has published over 550 scientific articles. He is also one of only a few NIH scientists to be elected to both the United States National Academy of Sciences and The Royal Society, showing how important his contributions are.
Personal Details
Marius Clore went to school in London, including the Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle. His father was Leon Clore, a film producer known for movies like The French Lieutenant's Woman.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Clore has received many awards for his groundbreaking work:
- 2024: Elected Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences
- 2021: Murray Goodman Memorial Prize
- 2021: Honorary Doctorate of Science (DSc) from University College London
- 2021: Royal Society of Chemistry Khorana Prize
- 2020: Elected Fellow of the Royal Society
- 2020: Biophysical Society Innovation Award
- 2015: Elected Foreign Member of the Academia Europaea
- 2014: Elected Member of the United States National Academy of Sciences
- 2012: Biochemical Society 2013 Centenary Award
- 2011: Royal Society of Chemistry Centenary Prize
- 2010: Elected Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- 1993: Dupont-Merck Young Investigator Award of the Protein Society