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- 1999 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
Intro
American physiologist. Prof. Armstrong was awarded 1999 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
for his work in "cell membrane excitability" and the elucidation of "ion channel gating kinetics".
Education and Work Experience
1960, M.D. of School of Medicine, Washington University
Present, Emeritus Professor of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania
Honors and Awards
1987, Member of the United States National Academy of Sciences
1999, Albert-Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
2001, Canada Gairdner International Award
Major Academic Achievements
Much of the current understanding of ion channel structure and function can be attributed to the notion proposed by Prof. Armstrong (with Bertil Hille). Armstrong provided the first general description of the K+ ion channel pore: a selectivity filter that can allow the rapid
flow of K+ while excluding the flow of Na+ across the cell membrane; a wide inner vestibule; and a molecular gating element at the cytoplasmic side of the channel that controls the flow of ions through the pore. In addition, Armstrong's studies (with Francisco Bezanilla) that described the first measurement of charge movement associated with the activation of Na+- selective ion channels laid the groundwork for the current understanding of the molecular basis of electrical signalling in nerve and muscle cells. A consistent feature of Armstrong's contributions is the quantitative nature of his work, combined with clear and concise descriptions of the underlying mechanism.