Chris Raetz, scientist and enduring friend

Wickner, William; Stubbe, JoAnne; Hirschberg, Carlos B.; Garrett, Teresa A.; Dowhan, William

doi:10.1073/pnas.1114405108

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Based on these structural considerations, plausible substrates were synthesized and tested as substrates of new enzymes, which were purified and expression cloned to identify the genes encoding the respective enzymes. This bottom up approach served him well in identifying new pathways, enzymes and genes in lipid metabolism, which was followed by detailed enzymological and structural studies of the enzymes involved (see testimonials to Raetz’s accomplishments [107, 108]).…”

Section: Purification and Characterization Of Phospholipid Biosyntmentioning

confidence: 99%

A retrospective: Use of Escherichia coli as a vehicle to study phospholipid synthesis and function

Dowhan¹

2013

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biolog

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108

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Although the study of individual phospholipids and their synthesis began in the 1920’s first in plants and then mammals, it was not until the early 1960’s that Eugene Kennedy using Escherichia coli initiated studies of bacterial phospholipid metabolism. With the base of information already available from studies of mammalian tissue, the basic blueprint of phospholipid biosynthesis in E. coli was worked out by the late 1960’s. In 1970’s and 1980’s most of the enzymes responsible for phospholipid biosynthesis were purified and many of the genes encoding these enzymes were identified. By the late 1990’s conditional and null mutants were available along with clones of the genes for every step of phospholipid biosynthesis. Most of these genes had been sequenced before the complete E. coli genome sequence was available. Strains of E. coli were developed in which phospholipid composition could be changed in a systematic manner while maintaining cell viability. Null mutants, strains in which phospholipid metabolism was artificially regulated, and strains synthesizing foreign lipids not found in E. coli have been used to this day to define specific roles for individual phospholipid. This review will trace the findings that have led to the development of E. coli as an excellent model system to study mechanisms underlying the synthesis and function of phospholipids that are widely applicable to other prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems.

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Section: Purification and Characterization Of Phospholipid Biosyntmentioning

confidence: 99%

A retrospective: Use of Escherichia coli as a vehicle to study phospholipid synthesis and function

Dowhan¹

2013

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biolog

Self Cite

108

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“…One of his most distinguished M.D., Ph.D. students was Chris Raetz, who unfortunately, succumbed to cancer. Raetz's obituary by several of his colleagues speaks of how they sought to emulate their mentor, Gene Kennedy (8). At the 90th Festschrift (9), Raetz reminded the audience of some lessons learned from Eugene Kennedy: It's crucial to develop an in vitro assay in a crude system. A clever experiment is worth more than a piece of equipment. It helps to sprinkle ideas around the lab informally. Scientific criticism is not personal; everything is on the table. …”

Section: Once Out Of Naturementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Once Out Of Naturementioning

confidence: 99%