Krzysztof Palczewski
About
Krzysztof Palczewski’s research focuses on the activation and signalling of the light-sensitive rod and cone cells found in the eye. He is best known for his discovery of the structure of rhodopsin, a light-sensitive receptor protein, and its folding and binding properties. The goals of his research group are to understand the biochemical mechanisms of rhodopsin inactivation; the biochemical similarities and differences in how rod and cone cells generate signals; and the enyzmes involved in molecular transformations in the retina.
Awards
- Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences (PAU), 2015
- Science Award, Foundation for Polish Science, 2014
- Friedenwald Award, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2014
- Beckman-Argyros Award in Vision Research, 2014
- Cogan Award, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 1996
Relevant Publications
Golczak, M. et al. “LRAT-specific domain facilitates Vitamin A metabolism by domain swapping in HRASLS.” Nature Chem Biol. 11 (2014): 26–32.
Tsybovsky, Y., and K. Palczewski. “Retinoid Pathway Gene Mutations and the Pathophysiology of Related Visual Diseases.” In The Retinoids: Biology, Biochemistry, and Disease, edited by P. Dollé and K. Niederreither. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2015.
Kiser, P.D. et al. “Catalytic mechanism of a retinoid isomerase essential for vertebrate vision.” Nature Chem Biol. 11, no. 6 (2015): 409–15.
Palczewska, G. et al. “Human infrared vision is triggered by two−photon chromophore isomerization.” Proc Natl Acad Sci 111 (2014): E5445–E5454.
Maeda, A. et al. “Primary amines protect against retinal degeneration in mouse models of retinopathies.” Nat Chem Biol. 8 (2012): 170–78.
Chen, Y. et al. “Systems pharmacology identifies drug targets for Stargardt disease-associated retinal degeneration.” J Clin Invest 123 (2013): 5119–5134.
Support Us
CIFAR is a registered charitable organization supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.