Photo of Bert W. O’Malley

Bert W. O’Malley

  • National Medal of Science
  • Biological Sciences

For his pioneering work on the molecular mechanisms of steroid hormone action and hormone receptors and coactivators, which has had a profound impact on our knowledge of steroid hormones in normal development and in diseases, including cancer.

Dubbed the “father of molecular endocrinology,” Dr. Bert W. O’Malley decoded the mystery of cellular mechanisms and the misunderstood relationship between hormones and proteins.

From growing up surrounded by the steel mills of Pittsburgh, his work has led to advances in cancer research, working to develop a drug candidate shown to inhibit cancer tumor growth.

Piling up 22 patents, Dr. O’Malley’s work has influenced the fields of gene regulation, molecular endocrinology and steroid receptor action, coupled by over 650 published papers.

Chairman of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Dr. O’Malley’s research has covered the gamut in research from hormone action, gene expression and therapy to nanotechnology.

By Melissa Ayala