Gerard Karsenty, M.D., Ph.D.

Molecular & Human Genetics

Molecular genetics as a tool to study human physiology and diseases

Dr. Karsenty received the award for his research on bone formation. He attempted to elucidate why obesity protects from bone loss while menopause favors it. His study provided a molecular explanation of these two observations by showing that body weight, reproduction, and bone formation were regulated through the same neuroendocrine loop. This is the first evidence of a central control of bone physiology.

Dr. Karsenty’s nomination was based on the following publications:

Ducy P, Starbuck M, Priemel M, Shen J, Pinero G, Geoffroy V, Amling M, Karsenty G." A Cbfa1-dependent genetic pathway controls bone formation beyond embryonic development.".Genes Dev. 1999 Apr 15;13(8):1025-36.

Ducy P, Amling M, Takeda S, Priemel M, Schilling AF, Beil FT, Shen J, Vinson C, Rueger JM, Karsenty G. " Leptin inhibits bone formation through a hypothalamic relay: a central control of bone mass. ". Cell. 2000 Jan 21;100(2):197-207.

Gunther T, Chen ZF, Kim J, Priemel M, Rueger JM, Amling M, Moseley JM, Martin TJ, Anderson DJ, Karsenty G. " Genetic ablation of parathyroid glands reveals another source of parathyroid hormone.".Nature. 2000 Jul 13;406(6792):199-203.