Two U.S. Researchers Share Nobel Prize in Medicine

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Oct. 8 -- Three researchers, including two U.S. scientists, who were pioneers in gene targeting will share the 2007 Nobel Prize in medicine.

The U.S. researchers, Mario R. Capecchi, Ph.D., of the University of Utah, and Oliver Smithies, D. Phil, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with Sir Martin J. Evans, D.Sc., of Cardiff University in Wales, were named early today.

Capecchi, 70, was born in Italy and Smithies, 82, was born in England.

Much of the seminal research cited by the Nobel committee was conducted almost 20 years ago. The first knockout mice achieved by gene targeting were announced in 1989 and since then more than 10,000 different rodent genes have been studied using the technique.

"Gene targeting has pervaded all fields of biomedicine. Its impact on the understanding of gene function and its benefits to mankind will continue to increase over many years to come," the award citation said.

Capecchi was honored for his work in the genetics of organ development in mammals, Smithies for work in hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and Evans for cystic fibrosis.

The Nobel Prize ceremony will take place in Stockholm on December 10.