Uncovering the Genetics of Cell Division, Providing Insight to Cancer

Dr. Lee Hartwell didn't realize as a boy that his youthful predilection for chasing butterflies hinted at his future as a geneticist. Nor did his teen-age tinkering on auto engines give him a clue that he would win a Nobel Prize. But today, his career's work in cell genetics has changed the way we think about life itself.

Early in his research career, Hartwell set out to find an organism simple enough to experiment on, yet complex enough to provide insight into humans. He made a risky choice: to use yeast, the same single-celled fungus that makes bread dough rise. At the time, most scientists thought yeast was not a good model for understanding the complexity of human cells.

Hartwell persisted, and a series of experiments over several years led to a landmark discovery. He discovered the genes that control cell division-genes that turned out to be the universal machinery for cell growth in organisms from fungi to frogs to humans.

This discovery in yeast not only showed the unity of all life, it also had practical applications for human health.

By identifying "checkpoint" genes that determine whether a cell is dividing normally, Hartwell provided important clues to cancer, which arises from abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth. Hartwell's discoveries have led him and other scientists to explore ways to stop abnormal cells from dividing. Researchers hope this work will lead to new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

For his insightful discoveries, Hartwell received the 2001 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.

Governor Locke proclaimed December 10, 2001, as Dr. Lee Hartwell Day.

More information

Impact of Dr. Hartwell's work
Biographical sketch
Awards and recognition
Nobel lecture
Dr. Hartwell's CV
Press conference highlights
Downloadable photos for media

Early Detection

Learn more about early detection from a speech by Dr. Lee Hartwell presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), April 15, 2007.

Translating a Century of Science into a Future of Cancer Prevention and Cures (Opening Plenary Session)

	Impact of Dr. Hartwell's Work
	Biographical Sketch
	Awards and Recognition
	News Release