Joan A. Steitz

Joan A. Steitz is a renowned molecular biologist whose work has advanced our understanding of how cells produce proteins. She studied RNA, the molecule that acts as a messenger between DNA and proteins, uncovering how it is processed and regulated. Her research has helped reveal the mechanisms behind gene expression and has implications for understanding diseases like cancer. Steitz’s discoveries have also contributed to the development of important scientific tools called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which are used in genetic research and potential therapies. She is widely recognized for her pioneering contributions to molecular genetics and RNA biology.