Alexander J. Varshavsky

Professor Alexander J. Varshavsky is credited with the landmark discoveries in the field of the ubiquitin system and regulated protein degradation. In addition, he also made major scientific contributions to the understanding of chromosome structure and gene expression, chromosome replication and cohesion/segregation, gene amplification, multidrug transporters, drug resistance and multitarget designs. Moreover, he developed several new biochemical and genetic methods, and is the holder of 17 patents. Alexander Varshavsky’s scientific discoveries have transformed our understanding of cell biology, having tremendous impact on almost every aspect of cell function with far-reaching medical implications. He is recognized for his pioneering and field-founding contributions to understanding cellular protein turnover, specifically the discovery of degradation signals and the biology of the ubiquitin system.