Definition
Sidney Altman (June 7, 1939 – April 5, 2022) was a Canadian-born American molecular biologist and biochemist, best known for his discovery of the catalytic properties of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the ribonuclease P (RNase P) enzyme complex. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1989, shared with Thomas R. Cech, for this work.
Overview
Altman was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from McGill University (1961) and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley (1965). His early research focused on the structure and function of nucleic acids. While at Yale University (1971–1978) and later at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Altman investigated the mechanism of RNase P, a ribonucleoprotein complex that processes precursor tRNA molecules. In 1982, his laboratory demonstrated that the RNA component of RNase P possesses catalytic activity independent of its protein subunit, establishing the concept of catalytic RNA, or ribozyme. This breakthrough provided key evidence supporting the RNA world hypothesis regarding early life evolution.
Altman held the position of Professor of Biology at MIT and served as Director of the Institute for Biological Studies (later the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research). He authored numerous peer‑reviewed articles, contributed to scientific advisory boards, and mentored many prominent scientists. In addition to the Nobel Prize, he received the Gairdner Award (1983) and was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (1989).
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Sidney” is of Old English origin, derived from “Sidney” meaning “wide island” or “river crossing.” The surname “Altman” is of Germanic origin, traditionally meaning “old man” or “elder,” and is common among Ashkenazi Jewish families. Altman’s family background includes Eastern European Jewish ancestry.
Characteristics
- Research Focus: Catalytic RNA, ribozymes, RNase P structure and function, RNA enzymology.
- Key Contributions: Demonstrated that RNA can act as a catalyst; provided experimental support for the RNA world hypothesis.
- Academic Positions: Professor of Biology, MIT; Director, Institute for Biological Studies (MIT).
- Awards and Honors: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1989), Gairdner Award (1983), Membership, National Academy of Sciences (USA).
- Publications: Over 300 scientific papers; notable works include the 1982 Science article “RNA Catalysis” and subsequent reviews on ribozymes.
Related Topics
- Ribozyme
- RNase P
- RNA world hypothesis
- Thomas R. Cech (co‑recipient of 1989 Nobel Prize)
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1989)
- Molecular biology of RNA
- Institute for Biological Studies / Koch Institute (MIT)
- National Academy of Sciences (United States)