Richard M. Harland

C.H. Li Distinguished Professor of Genetics, Genomics and Development. Vertebrate embryologist who discovered mechanisms of the Spemann Organizer. Isolated the Xenopus gene, Noggin, and showed it to be a key component of the Organizer. In series of experiments, demonstrated that Noggin functions as a secreted inhibitor of BMP signaling. Subsequent studies led to identification and characterization of additional BMP inhibitors, including Gremlin. Findings about the Organizer prompted shift in understanding how vertebrate embryo works. Developed methods for analyzing genetic networks underlying Xenopus tropicalis genome, found to be well suited for genetic manipulation.