Judith C Hempel

Title: Inventor Judith C. Hempel: Pioneering Methods in Protein Structure Analysis

Introduction

Judith C. Hempel is a remarkable inventor based in San Francisco, CA, known for her contributions to the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. With a patent to her name, she has made significant advancements in the methods used to determine the three-dimensional shape of macromolecules, particularly proteins.

Latest Patents

Judith's patented invention, titled "Method of determining the three-dimensional shape of a macromolecule," provides a fast and efficient approach for elucidating the three-dimensional conformation of proteins. The patented method encompasses several steps: it starts with the formation of physical distance constraints by creating intramolecular chemical crosslinks of known size between protein residues. This step is followed by enriching the reaction pool to focus on molecules with intramolecular crosslinks, using size separation to remove those with intermolecular bonds. Next, the enriched pool is exposed to a protease that cleaves the protein at specified sites to yield peptide fragments. The sizes of these fragments are measured to identify linkage sites with specific spatial relationships within the protein. Ultimately, the data is interpreted to ascertain the spatial geometry and overall protein structure, a process aided by computer systems for generating and analyzing distance constraints between amino acids.

Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Judith has worked with esteemed organizations, including the Chiron Corporation and the University of California. Her work in these institutions has contributed to the advancement of scientific understanding in molecular biology.

Collaborations

Judith C. Hempel has collaborated with notable individuals such as Bradford W. Gibson and Irwin D. Kuntz. These partnerships have enhanced her research efforts and driven innovation in protein structure analysis.

Conclusion

In summary, Judith C. Hempel is a distinguished inventor whose work has had a profound impact on the field of protein structure determination. Her patented method streamlines the process of analyzing macromolecular shapes, paving the way for advancements in biochemistry and related disciplines. Her collaborations and career experiences further underscore her contributions to scientific innovation.