Medal of Honor for Holger Prokisch
The German Society of Human Genetics (GfH) has awarded Dr. Holger Prokisch of Helmholtz Munich the GfH Medal of Honor for his exceptional contributions to human genetic research. This prestigious award is given annually to researchers who have distinguished themselves through outstanding scientific achievements and commitment to human genetic research.
The Medal of Honor was presented to Dr. Holger Prokisch in front of 5,000 attendees at the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG). The GfH Medal of Honor recognizes human geneticists who have made significant scientific contributions, advanced the field of human genetics, and demonstrated exemplary character in Germany. Prokisch is now one of only 14 recipients and is likely the youngest to receive this honor.
Advances in Genetic Diagnostics
Holger Prokisch conducts research at Helmholtz Munich and at the Institute of Human Genetics at the Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) on the genetic causes of mitochondrial diseases. His work aims to decipher the molecular mechanisms of these diseases, which impair energy production in cells and lead to a variety of clinical symptoms. Prokisch employs multiomic approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of the genetic foundations. By identifying new disease-causing genes, his research significantly improves the diagnosis and treatment of these complex conditions. Additionally, he focuses on developing and implementing innovative genetic diagnostic methods to enable faster and more precise diagnoses, which are crucial for timely patient treatment.
“This honor is a significant acknowledgment of our entire team's work. Our research aims to better understand genetic diseases and provide new hope to affected patients,” says award recipient Holger Prokisch.
Info-Box
Mitochondrial diseases are genetically inherited disorders that affect the mitochondria – the organelles in cells responsible for energy production. Mitochondria convert nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy source. When mitochondria fail to function properly, it can lead to an energy deficit in the cells, which can affect numerous systems in the body. A well-known example of a mitochondrial disease is Leigh syndrome, characterized by progressive central nervous system dysfunction.
Multiomic approaches are research strategies that combine various omic data layers such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to enable a comprehensive understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms.
