Redox Pioneer: Professor Gregg L. Semenza

Dr. Gregg L. Semenza is recognized here as a Redox Pioneer because he has published three articles that have been cited more than 1,000 times, and 74 articles that have each been cited more than 100 times. Dr. Semenza is known for his seminal discovery of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and for identifying molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional responses to hypoxia. The discovery of HIF-1 is regarded as a fundamental breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis of O(2) sensing, and led to the identification of related transcriptional activators now known as the HIF family, which are the focus of many investigator's studies around the world. Understanding the molecular basis of cellular responses to hypoxia is of immense physiological significance and has tremendous implications for medicine. Compelling evidence now exists for the involvement of HIF-1 signaling in the progression of cancer, cardiovascular morbidities associated with aging and diabetes, and pulmonary vascular remodeling in response to chronic hypoxia. Dr. Semenza's findings have led to the development of inhibitors of the HIF-1 signaling pathway, which are currently being tested for treatment of cancer. He has received several honors for his scientific contributions, including the 2010 Gairdner Foundation International Award and election to the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.