Paul R. Schimmel

Research is focused on the biochemical basis of the genetic code, the origin of the code, and the connection to human diseases. Emphasis is placed on a group of ancient, universal proteins known as aminoacyl tRNA synthetases. These proteins are responsible for the reactions that determine the modern genetic code. In higher organisms, including humans, these proteins have additional functions in signal transduction pathways. Both diseases and therapies for diseases are associated with these proteins. Our work also focuses on how to bring to clinical medicine the results of our research on these proteins.