Carol Greider

Carol Greider is an American molecular biologist renowned for her discovery of telomerase, an enzyme that helps protect the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, from deterioration. This finding has implications for aging and cancer research, as shortened telomeres are associated with cell aging and replication limits. Greider shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009 with Elizabeth Blackburn and Jack Szostak for their contributions to understanding how chromosomes are safeguarded. Her work has significantly advanced our knowledge of cellular biology and has potential applications in developing therapies for age-related diseases and cancer.