Professor Doctor Tony Hunter, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Adjunct Professor, University of California, San Diego,
California, USA
United Kingdom / United States of America
Professor Dr. Anthony Rex Hunter, known as Professor Dr. Tony Hunter, completed his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in protein synthesis research at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. He later became a researcher at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in the United States of America in 1975 and has remained there to this day. His significant contributions in the field have earned him successive promotions, leading to his current position as Professor at the Salk Institute and Senior Researcher (Renato Dulbecco Chair) at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA.
Professor Dr. Tony Hunter’s significant research achievement was the first discovery of tyrosine kinase enzymes and the phosphorylation process. Phosphorylation is the addition of a phosphate group to the amino acid tyrosine in proteins. This process is a fundamental mechanism of cellular signaling that regulates cell growth and function. Abnormal activation of tyrosine kinase enzymes, for example, by viruses or cancer-causing agents, can transmit signaling across the cell membrane, leading to excessive phosphorylation of proteins within the cell. This mechanism plays a crucial role in transforming normal cells into cancerous cells.
Understanding this mechanism led to the development of targeted cancer therapies by inhibiting the activity of tyrosine kinase enzymes.This breakthrough has resulted in the creation of numerous highly effective drugs, with no fewer than 86 tyrosine kinase inhibitors available, such as Imatinib (Gleevec™), used to treat leukemia. The application of the understanding has significantly benefitted the health and well-being of the public and has greatly contributed to the advancement of cancer treatment and research worldwide.