Analogs of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone with high agonist potency and selectivity at human melanocortin receptor 1b: The role of Trp9 in molecular recognition^†

1. Maria A. Bednarek^1,*,
2. Tanya MacNeil²,
3. Rui Tang²,
4. Tung M. Fong²,
5. M. Angeles Cabello³,
6. Marta Maroto³,
7. Ana Teran³

Article first published online: 9 OCT 2007

DOI: 10.1002/bip.20863

Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Issue

1. ^†

   Dedicated to the memory of Dr. Elkan R. Blout in whose lab, at Harvard Medical School, I (M.A. Bednarek) had the privilege to work in the early eighties. At that time Prof. E. R. Blout (frequently called ERB by his coworkers) had numerous responsibilities as a Professor at Harvard Medical School, and also as Dean of Academic Affairs at the Harvard School of Public Health and Treasurer at the National Academy of Sciences. Every week for a half an hour, however, he gave undivided attention to each member of his laboratory, his postdoctoral students and visiting scientists. We all looked forward to those brief but so rewarding interactions. He expected us to be independent scientists, concise and clear about what we wanted to accomplish. He discussed our efforts and judgments, provided criticism and reassurance. And all the time we were absolutely in awe of this brilliant scientist, teacher, mentor, manager, statesman and businessman. He was our rock, always calm, friendly, and kind. We felt very fortunate to be part of ERB's world, participate in his research endeavors, and observe his extraordinary interactions with scientists, managers, business people and politicians. It was certainly a unique experience reaching far beyond the typical postdoctoral training. I treasure memories of Dr. Elkan R. Blout from the lab at Harvard Medical School. Equally warmly, I treasure memories of ERB and his family from the lab gatherings at the Harvard and Commonwealth Clubs or at his house.