Biologist François Gros, coder of messenger RNA, is dead

His contribution to the decryption of the gene was crucial and paved the way for use, nearly sixty years later, from the Messenger RNA in the main vaccines used against CVIV-19. It was 95 years old.

Le Monde with AFP

He contributed, alongside the most eminent figures of scientific research, at the birth of molecular biology that upset the live sciences. The biologist François Gros, who participated in all the adventures of modern biology, died on Friday, February 18 at the age of 95, announced Sunday to the France-Press Etienne Ghys, Mathematician and perpetual secretary of the Academy of Sciences.

Capital contribution to decryption of genes

CODEFORTER, WITH FRANÇOIS JACOB, from the messenger RNA – the molecular intermediary of the genetic code DNA – its contribution to the decryption of the gene has been crucial. His work has paved the way, nearly sixty years later, using this technology in the main vaccines used against COVID-19.

This globally recognized researcher was born in Paris on April 24, 1925 in a “non-practicing Israelite” family. He had retreated to Toulouse during the Second World War. “Perpetually at the mercy of a denunciation”, he changed his name regularly, “he said in his scientific memoirs. Half a century of biology (2003).

Become a doctor of science after studies in Toulouse and Paris, he worked at the Pasteur Institute from 1945, and was the director from 1976 to 1981. ELU Member of the Academy of Science in 1979 He occupied the position of perpetual secretary of the institution from 1991 to 2000.

/Media reports.