By Kelee Garrison Riesbeck
Originally printed in the summer 2009 issue of Ohio Today

Teamwork, close collaboration, curiosity. These terms define the work of John Kopchick, Ph.D., Goll-Ohio Eminent Scholar and Professor of Molecular Biology.

He and his colleagues focus on the molecular biology of growth, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and aging—an ambitious set of problems by anyone’s standards. Kopchick’s creative work in the lab has led to the patent of Somavert®, a drug that treats acromegaly: a rare disease characterized by abnormal growth of the hands, feet, and face. What makes this scientist tick? To find out, Ohio Today
sat down with him in his office at Edison Biotechnology Institute.

What is your approach to research and problem solving?

As we define the problem, we start asking and answering questions. We do the initial experiment, then collaborate when necessary with expert clinical scientists around the world who can help us with specific areas. This approach is rewarding, but practical, too, because more expert minds on a problem increase the value of the work.

So a team effort is key to scientific success?

Yes. And you have to love what you do. We have a very close team here, and we also like getting together socially each month. Liking what you do, interacting with good people, scientific interactions—that’s what makes for rewarding work.

Did you always know you were going to be a scientist?

No! I started out as a history major. Then I took a biology course and was exposed to the fact that an egg and a sperm meet and go from one cell to 10 million and on and on. I found that to be an amazing thing. I don’t know how anyone can’t be in awe of that. It piqued my curiosity, so I switched to biology.

What do you think the future of medicine will be like?

We have 22,000 human genes, and scientists know the activity and function of only one-third of them. Discovering the function of the other two-thirds will lead to the ability to define the problem and understand the exact cause of genetic mutations. This is called functional genomics. This knowledge will create medicine tailored exactly to each individual.

You have worked with several medical doctors. Ever wanted to be one?

No. I learned that when I interned with the Dr. Ralph Arlington (at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston). He treated pediatric cancer patients, and I just don’t have the heart for it.
I would have been too sympathetic. I’ll stick with working in the lab.