Pharmacy scholar recognized for ribosome, biotech research
Alexander Mankin
Biotechnology is the use of biological processes to manufacture products to improve the quality of human life. But Alexander “Shura” Mankin, professor and director of the Center for Biopharmaceutical Technology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, says it is that and much more.
“Biotechnology is about developing new technologies to understand the nature of diseases and drug discovery, as well as applying unorthodox approaches to basic research that will eventually feed the applied branches of pharmaceutical sciences,” Mankin says.
Mankin has been named the recipient of the Paul R. Dawson Biotechnology Award by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. The award recognizes an active scientist within pharmacy education who is a leader in the teaching of biotechnology and its related science.
He will receive the award at the association’s annual meeting, held in Chicago in July.
Throughout his career, Mankin has performed extensive research on the functions of the ribosome and how it can be inhibited by drugs. His laboratory has established modes of action of several important classes of antibiotics.
“We’re working to discover how antibiotics bind to the ribosome, which is responsible for churning out all the proteins a cell needs for survival, and how they interfere with its function,” Mankin said. “We investigate mechanisms of drug resistance and are trying to develop new, superior antibiotics.”
Currently, Mankin is studying how the ribosome deals with the newly formed polypeptide, how drugs can affect this process, and how microbes can become resistant.
The Dawson Award, Mankin said, is for a team effort, recognizing not only him but the “excellent work of the members of his laboratory, whose support, efforts and contributions made this possible.”
“I was humbled when I learned I was nominated, and even more so when I learned that I received the award. I greatly appreciate the assistance of those in UIC’s College of Pharmacy who made this possible,” he said.
“I view this award as an indication of the success of UIC’s Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, founded by Michael Johnson 20 years ago. The center has been extremely successful in its research, publications, attracting extramural funding, and training students and postdoctoral students with its outstanding faculty.”
Mankin has published more than 100 papers in leading journals. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and other funding agencies.
Jerry Bauman, dean of the UIC College of Pharmacy, said Mankin was “extremely deserving” of the prestigious award.
“Shura’s work in elucidating the mechanism of antibiotic action will pave new ways to consider the effective treatment of serious infections,” he said. “It is truly at the cutting edge of science.
“Shura is a wonderful leader in our college, not only leading by example, but also in mentoring young faculty for a career in pharmaceutical education and research. We are lucky to have him in our college.”
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy is a national organization representing the interests of pharmacy education. It comprises 129 accredited colleges and schools of pharmacy, including more than 6,500 faculty, about 60,000 students enrolled in professional programs, and 5,100 individuals pursuing graduate study. Founded in 1900, the AACP is located in Alexandria,Va.
