Harry Gilbert | |
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.jpg) Gilbert in 2016 | |
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| Thesis | Studies on native and mutant forms of IMP dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli K12 (1979) |
| Website | ncl |
Harry J. GilbertFRS FMedSci[2] (born 1953) is Professor ofAgricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition in the Institute For Cell and Molecular Biosciences atNewcastle University.[1][3]
Gilbert was educated at theUniversity of Southampton graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975[3] followed by a PhD for research investigatingmutant forms of theenzymeIMP dehydrogenase inEscherichia coli K12 in 1978.[4]
Since taking up alectureship at Newcastle University in 1985 Gilbert's research has focussed onenzymes, primarilyglycoside hydrolases, which attack complexcarbohydrates. These enzymes are of considerable biological and industrial importance. Gilbert has used structure-function studies to dissect the contribution of non-catalyticcarbohydrate binding modules (CBMs)[5] in targeting enzymes to complexinsoluble structures exemplified by the plantcell wall, thereby overcoming the access problem.[6][7]
He has extended his studies on carbohydrate binding modules to explore howglycosidehydrolases are able to select specificsubstrates andmodes of action. Using structure-based strategies, he has exploited this fundamental understanding of enzyme specificity to engineer novel catalytic functions into these biological catalysts.
As of 2016[update], Gilbert has been dissecting the mechanisms ofglycans utilisation bygut bacteria, in thehuman microbiota.[8] His work has led to the presentation of a selfish model for themetabolism of highly complex carbohydrates by members of thisecosystem.[9][10] His work has implications on resource allocation within the human microbiota, which could impact on dietary strategies that maximise the impact of thismicrobial ecology on health.
From 2008 to 2010 he was appointed an Eminent Scholar inBioenergy at theUniversity of Georgia, in the USA.[11] Gilbert's research has been funded by theAgricultural and Food Research Council (AFRC), theBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), theNational Science Foundation (NSF), theUnited States Department of Energy (DOE), theNational Institutes of Health (NIH), theWellcome Trust and theEuropean Research Council (ERC).[11]
Gilbert was elected aFellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 2016[2] and aFellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.[when?]
"All text published under the heading 'Biography' on Fellow profile pages is available underCreative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License." --"Royal Society Terms, conditions and policies". Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved9 March 2016.
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