In Memoriam: Distinguished Professor Emeritus E. Peter Geiduschek, Molecular Biology
With great sadness we report the passing of Distinguished Professor Emeritus E. Peter, Geiduschek, a pioneer in the investigation of DNA structure and gene expression and an early leader in establishing the excellence of biological sciences in the early years of the UC San Diego campus. Geiduschek passed away April 8, 2022.
Geiduschek joined UC San Diego in 1970 from the University of Chicago and remained an influential figure on campus until he departed in 2014. A foundational member and leader in molecular biology during those years, Geiduschek was a role model for scientific excellence, leadership, fellowship and integrity.
Following the discovery of the double helical structure of DNA, Geiduschek began a series of seminal studies on the physical properties of DNA. These investigations, as Biological Sciences Professor James T. Kadonaga eloquently describes in a personal tribute (available here), resulted in a remarkable proportion of the fundamental knowledge of DNA structure and gene regulation that is now taught to students of molecular biology.
Geiduschek was among the first scientists to develop systems for the study of transcription in vitro. He carried out innovative and elegant biochemical studies that elucidated the roles of proteins required for gene expression in bacterial viruses and in eukaryotic cells. His studies provided key insights into the molecular mechanisms by which viruses take over the host synthetic machinery, and by which they control the timing of the expression of their genes to ensure efficient multiplication.
These studies are of fundamental importance to our understanding of gene expression and of the multiplication of human viruses. He additionally was a major force behind the discovery and analysis of the factors and mechanisms involved in the synthesis of tRNAs by RNA polymerase III. His research was carried out with such a level of artistry and elegance that he achieved a convergence of science and art in his work.
Beyond his scientific contributions, many will remember Geiduschek as a leader and a role model for undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs and his fellow faculty.
Among his many honors, Geiduschek was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
A memorial fund is being planned in honor of Geiduschek. Details of a June celebration of his contributions to science are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Elizabeth H. Simmons Executive Vice Chancellor
Kit Pogliano Dean, School of Biological Sciences
Cornelis Murre Chair, Department of Molecular Biology
University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093
