Prof. Alma Burlingame , UCSF , United States
Alma L. Burlingame is a distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco. She has over five decades of experience in the fields of mass spectrometry, proteomics, and systems biology. With expertise in the identification and study of unknown proteins and post-translational modifications like phosphorylation, acetylation, and glycosylation, her work has contributed significantly to understanding protein dynamics. Dr. Burlingame has been a pioneer in proximity-biotin labeling for protein complex discovery and has earned widespread recognition for her interdisciplinary contributions to molecular biology and chemistry. Her long-standing collaboration with various international research institutions has fostered advancements in protein interaction and cellular signaling pathways, marking her as a leader in her field.
Publication Profile:
Scopus
Strengths for the Award:
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Innovative Contributions: Dr. Burlingame has made significant contributions to mass spectrometry, proteomics, and systems biology, especially in the development of new methodologies for protein analysis and post-translational modifications. Her work in identifying and studying unknown proteins and their modifications has broadened the scope of proteomics.
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Multidisciplinary Expertise: Her expertise spans across various fields including chemistry, physics, biological sciences, and medicine, demonstrating her versatility and depth of knowledge in complex scientific issues.
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Impact on the Scientific Community: Through her extensive publication record and influential research, Dr. Burlingame has advanced our understanding of protein dynamics, cell signaling, and the role of glycosylation and phosphorylation in health and disease.
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Leadership and Mentorship: Dr. Burlingame’s leadership roles, particularly as a co-chair of major international symposia, reflect her stature in the scientific community. Additionally, her mentorship of students and postdocs has helped shape the next generation of scientists in proteomics and systems biology.
Areas for Improvement:
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Broader Collaboration with Clinical Applications: While Dr. Burlingame’s research is foundational in proteomics, further expansion of collaborative work with clinical researchers could enhance the practical application of her discoveries, particularly in disease diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Public Outreach: Given the complexity of her research, efforts to communicate her findings to broader audiences could help bridge the gap between academic research and public understanding of the significance of proteomics in health.
Education:
Dr. Burlingame earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1959. She went on to complete her PhD in Chemistry and Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1962. She further honed her scientific expertise as a Guggenheim Fellow at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972, specializing in Physiological Chemistry. Over the years, Dr. Burlingame has continued to advance her education, conducting cutting-edge research in the realms of mass spectrometry, proteomics, and the study of post-translational modifications. Her rigorous academic background, combined with her groundbreaking work, has made her a respected figure in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Experience:
Dr. Burlingame has held several prominent positions throughout her distinguished career. She currently serves as a Professor of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of California, San Francisco. She has also held significant roles such as a University Fellow at Hong Kong Baptist University and Professor of Biochemistry at University College London. Dr. Burlingame has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has been an elected Fellow since 1990. Her professional journey includes visiting professorships at leading institutions such as the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. Additionally, she has co-chaired major international symposia on mass spectrometry, enhancing her reputation in the global scientific community. Her leadership and influence in research have made her a pivotal figure in mass spectrometry and proteomics.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Burlingame has earned numerous prestigious honors throughout her career. In 2018, she was awarded the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-standing contributions to scientific research. She was named a Fellow of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2022. Her significant achievements were further recognized when she received the MCP Lectureship Plenary Award at the Society for Glycobiology in 2013. Additionally, she was honored with the Achievement Award from the International Forum of Proteomics in 2012 for her impactful work in proteomics. Her longstanding contributions to the field of mass spectrometry have made her an internationally respected leader, and she continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
Research Focus:
Dr. Burlingame’s research focuses on mass spectrometry, proteomics, and systems biology, with a specific emphasis on protein sequencing, identification, and the dynamics of post-translational modifications (PTMs). She has made significant contributions to understanding the site-specific dynamics of PTMs like phosphorylation, acetylation, and glycosylation, and their roles in cell signaling and differentiation. Her group is particularly known for its work in proximity-biotin labeling, a technique used for protein complex discovery and interactomics. She has also studied the dynamic nature of proteins involved in cellular processes such as protein synthesis, cell signaling, and differentiation. By studying how PTMs influence cellular functions, Dr. Burlingame’s work helps to uncover mechanisms underlying diseases like cancer and neurological disorders. Her innovative approaches in mass spectrometry and proteomics continue to influence the understanding of complex biological systems.
Publications Top Notes:
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Revealing nascent proteomics in signaling pathways and cell differentiation 🧬🔬
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Locally translated mTOR controls axonal local translation in nerve injury 🧠💥
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Mapping axon initial segment structure and function by multiplexed proximity biotinylation 🧬⚡
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Capture, release, and identification of newly synthesized proteins for improved profiling of functional translatomes 🔍🔬
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Endothelial-secreted Endocan activates PDGFRA and regulates vascularity and spatial phenotype in glioblastoma 💉🧠
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Functional screen identifies RBM42 as a mediator of oncogenic mRNA translation specificity 🧬🔍
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Phosphorylation-driven epichaperome assembly is a regulator of cellular adaptability and proliferation 🔑🧬
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TRIM46 Is Required for Microtubule Fasciculation In Vivo But Not Axon Specification or Axon Initial Segment Formation 🧠⚙️
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RAPIDASH: Tag-free enrichment of ribosome-associated proteins reveals composition dynamics in embryonic tissue, cancer cells, and macrophages 🧬📊
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Remodelling of the translatome controls diet and its impact on tumorigenesis 🥗🎯
Conclusion:
Dr. Alma Burlingame is undoubtedly a leading figure in the fields of mass spectrometry and proteomics. Her innovative research, mentorship, and contributions to the understanding of protein modifications and their implications for health make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has had a profound and lasting impact on molecular biology, and she continues to be a driving force in scientific discovery.