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James V. Neel

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James V. Neel
Born
James Van Gundia Neel

(1915-03-22)March 22, 1915
DiedFebruary 1, 2000(2000-02-01)(aged 84)
EducationCollege of Wooster,University of Rochester(Ph.D.)
Known forDeveloping understanding of the influence of environment on genes
AwardsAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciences,American Philosophical Society,Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research,William Allan Award, National Medal of Science
Scientific career
FieldsHuman genetics
InstitutionsUniversity of MichiganDepartment of Genetics

James Van Gundia Neel(March 22, 1915 – February 1, 2000) was an Americangeneticistwho played a key role in the development of human genetics as a field of research in the United States. He made important contributions to the emergence of geneticepidemiology[1]and pursued an understanding of the influence of environment ongenes.In his early work, he studiedsickle-cell disease[2]andacatalasia.[3]conducted research on the effects of radiation on survivors of theHiroshima atomic bombing.[4]

Life[edit]

Neel attended theCollege of Woosterwith a degree inbiologyin 1935 and went on to receive hisPh.D.at theUniversity of Rochester.

In 1956, Neel established theUniversity of MichiganDepartment of Genetics, the first department of human genetics at amedical schoolin theUnited States.He was elected a Fellow of theAmerican Academy of Arts and Sciencesin 1971.[5]

Controversy[edit]

Theories and allegations[edit]

Neel first found the inheritance of sickle cell anemia through its genetic basis. This was the first step to learning all of what we know genetically about sickle cell disease. He found that the sickle cell trait itself was heterozygous and the disease was expressed when the gene was recessive homozygous. This was very difficult to figure out at the time with the current knowledge and while he did not find the relationship between malaria and sickle cell himself his work did provide the foundation for it being discovered.

Neel developed the "thrifty gene hypothesis"thatpaleolithichumans, facing long periods of hunger punctuated by brief periods of food surplus, would have adapted genetically by processing fats andcarbohydratesmore efficiently during feast periods, to be physiologically resilient during periods of famine. Neel believed that this genetic adaptation might have created a predisposition totype 2 diabetes mellitus.[6]This theory was later discredited by research conducted by Neel himself.[7]

Darkness in El Dorado[edit]

Source:[8]

A journalist by the name ofPatrick Tiernypublished information that discredited Neel in relation to his work in the Amazon with theYanomamipopulation.[9]He alleged many of things, among which were that he studied the genome of the Yanomami to compare with mutations among the survivors in the atomic bombing in Japan. To that, it was said that unethical practices were performed with the Yanomami population and that radioactive iodine injections were used to find leadership genes from the headmen of Yanomami. These allegations were later to be found without evidence from various examiners.[10]

Neel was especially focused on comprehending thehuman genomein anevolutionarylight. This concept was addressed in his fieldwork, alongsidecultural anthropologistNapoleon Chagnonamong theYanomamoandXavanteinBrazilandVenezuela.His involvement in this fieldwork came under scrutiny in theDarkness in El Doradocontroversy, a scandal in anthropology that broke in 2000 after his death involving numerous allegations of unethical research that threatened serious damage to Neel's reputation. The accusation is that Neel deliberately injected South American natives with virulentmeasles vaccineto spark off an epidemic that killed hundreds and probably thousands. However, these claims against him were never substantiated with any evidence, and it was found later that themeaslesoutbreak predated his arrival. Unfortunately, the media saw this as an opportunity for a big story and ran with it giving Neel's name a darkness associated with it. Even the original maker of the measles vaccine Dr.Samuel L. Katztried to shoot down the allegations claiming that they were in fact not true but was unsuccessful in saving his name before the media tarnished it.[11]The majority of the allegations inDarkness in El Doradohave since been found to have been fabricated by the author.

Among majority allegations against Neel, there is a memo to the Neel family that was made in hopes to clear Neel of all allegations. This can be found here:https://dwhume /darkness-in-el-dorado-controversy/0167.htm

Another link to how Neel conducted scientific collaboration in Latin America:https:// scielo.br/j/gmb/a/MFFkDDXQ9B45Dd3pP4hjRtn/?lang=en

Link to picture of Neel with Yanomamo men in South America:https://diglib.amphilsoc.org/islandora/object/graphics%3A1624

Organizations[edit]

Neel was concerned withnuclear falloutandradiation damage.He was active in theAtomic Bomb Casualty Commissionand theRadiation Effects Research Foundation.He testified several times before committees and sub-committees of theUnited States Congressas an expert witness regarding the long-term effects of radiation on human populations.

He was also involved with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, theAmerican Philosophical Society,theNational Research Council,thePan-American Health Organization,and theWorld Health Organization.[12]

Awards[edit]

Works[edit]

James V. Neel contributed significantly to the development of modern human genetics throughout his career.

His notable works include:

  • 1949: "The Inheritance of Sickle Cell Anemia" - Published inScience110: 64-66, this paper explored how a single gene mutation is responsible for the inheritance of sickle cell anemia. Neel's research and analysis supported the pattern of a mutation occurrence in the hemoglobin subunit β (HHB gene) which is responsible for providing instructions for the creation of the protein β-globin.[14]When this mutation occurs, red blood cells transform into a rigid, "sickle" shape that blocks blood vessels and leads to restriction of blood flow to tissue throughout the body. Neel also discussed how populations with higher rates of malaria correspond with higher rates of sickle cell disease.[15]
  • 1967: "The Web of History and the Web of Life: Atomic Bombs, Inbreeding and Japanese Genes" - Published in theMichigan Quarterly Review6:202-209, Neel discussed the aftermath of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.[16]He examined the genetic repercussions of radiation exposure on the Japanese population, highlighting the induced genetic mutations due to the atomic bombs. He also delved into how the genetic health of human populations was affected by cultural and societal influences. Neel's research interests aligned with his leadership role in the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC).[17]
  • 1994:Physician to the Gene Pool: Genetic Lessons and Other Storiesis a book written by James V. Neel, which was published by John Wiley and Sons in New York. In this work, Neel provided many insights into the world of human genetics through lessons and narratives. A collection of stories were intended to both amuse and educate readers about concepts and discoveries ranging from topics of inheritance patterns to consequences of genetic mutations.[18]

Overall impact[edit]

James V. Neel was a pivotal figure in the development of human genetics due to his research pursuits, leadership roles, and enduring vestige within the scientific community. From his investigations into the genetic effects of radiation exposure after the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to his leadership in founding the Department of Genetics at the University of Michigan, Neel has had an undeniable influence in shaping genetic research. His work with Sickle Cell Anemia provided insights into the genetic basis of the disease and its prevalence in populations exposed to malaria.[19]

His prominence was further established by his membership to the National Academy of Sciences and the honor of multiple prestigious awards to recognize his groundbreaking contributions. Beyond his scientific achievements, Neel was an advocate for public health and stressed the importance of looking at genetic differences from an evolutionary angle. He made it known that we as a society should look at the bigger picture referencing genetic changes and genetic research should consider both biology and evolution.[19]

Through his legacy, Neel continues to shape the trajectory of genetic research in humans and inspires future geneticists.

References[edit]

  1. ^Bittles, Alan H.; Neel, James V. (1994). "The costs of human inbreeding and their implications for variations at the DNA level".Nature Genetics.8:117–121.
  2. ^Neel, James V. (1949). "The Inheritance of Sickle Cell Anemia".Science.110(2846): 64–66.doi:10.1126/science.110.2846.
  3. ^Takahara, Shigeo; Hamilton, Howard B.; Neel, James V.; Kobara, Thomas Y.; Ogura, Yoshio; Nishimura, Edwin T. (1960)."Hypocatalasemia: a new genetic carrier state".J. Clin. Invest.39(4): 610–619.doi:10.1172/JCI104075.PMC293346.
  4. ^Weiss, K. M.; Ward, R. H. (March 2000)."James V. Neel, M.D., Ph.D. (March 22, 1915–January 31, 2000): Founder Effect".American Journal of Human Genetics.66(3): 755–760.doi:10.1086/302793.ISSN0002-9297.PMC1288160.PMID10712193.
  5. ^"Book of Members, 1780-2010: Chapter N"(PDF).American Academy of Arts and Sciences.Retrieved15 April2011.
  6. ^Neel, James V. (1962). "Diabetes Mellitus: A" Thrifty "Genotype Rendered Detrimental by" Progress "?".Am. J. Hum. Genet.14(4): 353–362.
  7. ^Neel, James V.; Weder, Alan B.; Julius, Stevo (1998). "Type II Diabetes, Essential Hypertension, and Obesity as" Syndromes of Impaired Genetic Homeostasis ": The" Thrifty Genotype "Hypothesis Enters the 21st Century".Perspectives in Biology and Medicine.42(1): 44–74.doi:10.1353/pbm.1998.0060.
  8. ^Tobin, James."The fake news about James Neel".
  9. ^Tierny, Patrick (2002).Darkness in El Dorado.W. W. Norton.ISBN978-0393322750.
  10. ^American Society of Human Genetics (2001)."Response to Allegations against James V. Neel in Darkness in El Dorado, by Patrick Tierney".National Library of Medicine.70(1): 1–10.doi:10.1086/338147.PMC384880.PMID11715114.
  11. ^"James Neel, father of modern human genetics, died Feb. 1".University of Michigan News.February 1, 2000.RetrievedApril 10,2024.
  12. ^Lindee, Susan (2001). "James Van Gundia Neel (1915-2000)".American Anthropologist.103(2): 502–505.doi:10.1525/aa.2001.103.2.502.ISSN1548-1433.
  13. ^Genetic linkage methods, 1960 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award
  14. ^Mangla, Ankit; Agarwal, Nikki; Schwartz, Gary (2024-01-25)."Desmoid Tumors: Current Perspective and Treatment".Current Treatment Options in Oncology.25(2): 161–175.doi:10.1007/s11864-024-01177-5.ISSN1527-2729.PMC10873447.PMID38270798.
  15. ^Neel, James V. (1949-07-15)."The Inheritance of Sickle Cell Anemia".Science.110(2846): 64–66.Bibcode:1949Sci...110...64N.doi:10.1126/science.110.2846.64.ISSN0036-8075.PMID17774955.
  16. ^Neel, James V. (1998-05-12)."Genetic studies at the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission–Radiation Effects Research Foundation: 1946–1997".Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.95(10): 5432–5436.Bibcode:1998PNAS...95.5432N.doi:10.1073/pnas.95.10.5432.ISSN0027-8424.PMC33858.PMID9576899.
  17. ^Morton, Newton E (2003)."Recollections of James Neel".Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research.543(2): 97–104.doi:10.1016/S1383-5742(03)00006-1.PMID12644178.
  18. ^Kolchinsky, Alexander (1996)."Physician to the gene pool: Genetic lessons and other stories".Surgical Neurology.45(5): 507–508.doi:10.1016/0090-3019(95)00311-8.ISSN0090-3019.
  19. ^abWeiss, K.M.; Ward, R.H. (2000)."James V. Neel, M.D., Ph.D. (March 22, 1915–January 31, 2000): Founder Effect".The American Journal of Human Genetics.66(3): 755–760.doi:10.1086/302793.PMC1288160.PMID10712193.

External links[edit]

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