Herman Wolosker

Title: **The Innovative Work of Herman Wolosker: A Focus on Serine Racemase**

Introduction

Herman Wolosker, based in Baltimore, MD, is a distinguished inventor renowned for his contribution to neurobiology through his work on mammalian serine racemase. His research has significant implications for understanding various neurological conditions, providing insights into potential treatment pathways.

Latest Patents

Wolosker holds a patent for the invention titled "Mammalian Serine Racemase." This innovative enzyme plays a crucial role in the central nervous system, where high levels of D-serine are found in the mammalian brain. D-serine functions as an endogenous ligand of the 'glycine site' of NMDA receptors. His research details the purification of a soluble enzyme from rat brain that catalyzes the direct racemization of L-serine to D-serine. The purified serine racemase exhibits a molecular weight of 37 kDa and requires pyridoxal 5'-phosphate for its activity. Notably, this enzyme exhibits high selectivity toward L-serine, with no racemization observed in any other amino acids tested. Moreover, Wolosker has identified polynucleotide sequences that encode mammalian, including human, serine racemase. The compounds that modulate the activity of mammalian serine racemase hold promise for treating conditions associated with overstimulation of NMDA receptors, such as stroke and various neurodegenerative diseases.

Career Highlights

Wolosker is affiliated with The Johns Hopkins University, a leading institution in medical research. His career is marked by a commitment to exploring the biochemical pathways relevant to neurological health and disease, making a significant impact within the field.

Collaborations

Throughout his professional journey, Wolosker has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Soloman H. Snyder and Kevin Sheth. These partnerships have enriched his research endeavors, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to tackle complex neurological challenges.

Conclusion

Herman Wolosker’s contributions to neuroscience, particularly through the development of serine racemase, highlight the critical intersection of innovation and health. His work not only enhances the understanding of neurobiology but also opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions in conditions like stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.