Gerty Theresa Cori (née Radnitz) (1896–1957) was a pioneering biochemist who, along with her husband Carl Cori and collaborator Bernardo Houssay, made significant contributions to our understanding of carbohydrate metabolism. Gerty Cori became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Here is a detailed biography of Gerty Theresa Cori, highlighting key events in her life:
Early Life and Education:
- August 15, 1896: Gerty Theresa Radnitz was born in Prague, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now the Czech Republic).
- Education in Prague: Gerty attended a German grammar school in Prague, where she excelled in science and mathematics.
- Move to the United States: In 1920, Gerty immigrated to the United States to attend college, joining her older brother, who was already studying there.
- Undergraduate Studies: Gerty Radnitz studied at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1920.
- Doctoral Studies at Radcliffe: Gerty pursued her Ph.D. at Radcliffe College, the women’s college affiliated with Harvard University. She completed her doctorate in biochemistry in 1925.
Marriage to Carl Cori and Collaborative Research:
- Marriage to Carl Cori: In 1920, Gerty Radnitz married Carl Ferdinand Cori, a fellow student at the University of Prague who later became her lifelong research collaborator.
- Move to Buffalo, New York: In 1922, Gerty and Carl Cori moved to Buffalo, New York, where Carl accepted a position at the State Institute for the Study of Malignant Diseases (later named Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center).
- Collaboration with Bernardo Houssay: In 1928, Gerty and Carl Cori traveled to Argentina, where they collaborated with Bernardo Houssay on studies related to carbohydrate metabolism.
Key Discoveries and Contributions:
- Glycogen Metabolism: Gerty and Carl Cori investigated the metabolism of glycogen, a form of glucose storage in the body. They identified the enzymes involved in glycogen breakdown and synthesis.
- Cori Cycle: The Coris elucidated the “Cori cycle,” a metabolic pathway involving the conversion of glycogen to glucose and lactate, important for energy metabolism during exercise and fasting.
- Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1947): In 1947, Gerty Cori, along with her husband Carl Cori and Bernardo Houssay, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries related to carbohydrate metabolism.
Academic Career and Honors:
- University of Buffalo: Gerty Cori served as an assistant professor and later as an associate professor at the University of Buffalo. She faced gender discrimination, initially receiving a lower salary than her male colleagues.
- Washington University in St. Louis: In 1931, the Coris moved to Washington University in St. Louis, where they continued their research. Gerty Cori became a professor of biochemistry.
- Recognition: Gerty Cori received numerous honors for her scientific contributions, including the Garvan Medal (1948), the Squibb Award (1948), and the St. Louis Award (1950).
Personal Life:
- Children: Gerty and Carl Cori had one son, Tom Cori, who later became a biochemist.
Death:
- October 26, 1957: Gerty Theresa Cori passed away in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 61, succumbing to myelosclerosis.
Legacy:
- Scientific Impact: Gerty Cori’s research significantly advanced our understanding of biochemical processes, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism. The Cori cycle and their work on enzymes involved in glycogen metabolism remain foundational in biochemistry.
- Gender Barrier Breaker: Gerty Cori’s achievements broke gender barriers in science, and she inspired generations of female scientists. Her contributions were pivotal in paving the way for more women in scientific research.
Gerty Theresa Cori’s legacy endures not only for her groundbreaking scientific achievements but also for her role as a trailblazer for women in the sciences. Her work continues to influence the fields of biochemistry and physiology.
