| RefNo | EC/2024/8 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Blau, Helen: certificate of election to the Royal Society |
| Date | 21 April 2024 |
| Description | Certificate endorsing election of Helen Blau as a Fellow of the Royal Society. Includes personal details of the elected Fellow, citation giving the reasons for election, and names of proposers. Signed by the Executive Director of the Royal Society, Julie Maxton. |
| Citation | Blau’s discoveries transformed our understanding of cell differentiation. Using cell fusion, she challenged prevailing dogma by showing that the ‘terminally’ differentiated state is reversible and requires continuous regulation to be maintained. She pioneered the design of biomaterials that mimic the elasticity of the healthy tissue microenvironment, which preserved the stem cell state and rejuvenated aged stem cells. World renowned in regenerative medicine, Blau recently discovered a pivotal molecular determinant of the muscle dysfunction characteristic of aging, 15- hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase. This enzyme, which she termed a ‘gerozyme’, modulates Prostaglandin E2 levels and can be targeted therapeutically to promote muscle regeneration and rejuvenation. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Computer printout |
| PhysicalDescription | A4 papers |
| AccessStatus | Closed |
| AccessConditions | Election certificates are subject to 50 year closure period from date of election. Details of proposers and date certificate was first submitted for candidacy are kept confidential until the 50 year closure period has elapsed. |