Nabil G. Seidah receives the 2011 Wilder-Penfield Prix du Québec
MONTREAL, Oct. 31, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ – Dr. Nabil G. Seidah, researcher at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), receives the 2011 Wilder-Penfield Prix du Québec. The Prix du Québec award winners were announced today by the Quebec Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and the Quebec Minister of Culture.
“Dr. Seidah is an internationally renowned scientist who has made invaluable contributions to biomedical research here, at the IRCM, and whose scientific productivity has been literally spectacular – over 600 publications,” says Dr. Tarik Möröy, IRCM President and Scientific Director. “This prestigious Wilder-Penfield Prix du Québec was naturally destined for him.”
Dr. Nabil G. Seidah’s career has focused on the role of convertase proteins (PC) and their action mechanisms. The knowledge acquired from his research will allow for the development of new treatments for numerous human diseases. In 1990, following nearly 15 years of hard word, Dr. Seidah identified the first two members of the PC family. He then discovered and defined five other members of the same family, which includes nine proteins in total. A specialist in protein biochemistry, as well as in cell and molecular biology, Dr. Seidah has continued to study the function of these proteins in several pathologies. Along with his team, through cellular studies and genetic approaches, he has recently demonstrated the great potential of convertase inhibitors, such as inhibitors of PCSK9 (the last member of the family) as a future drug for controlling cholesterol levels.
“I proudly accept this recognition, especially as the Wilder-Penfield Prix du Québec is associated with a world-renowned neurosurgeon and neurologist,” says Dr. Saidah. “This is therefore a great honour. Our work on the study of convertase proteins continues and, today, clinical trials are underway for which the results should lead to the development of new drugs for the well-being of our society, and which could even offer a statin-replacement solution for hypercholesterolemia patients. ” continue reading