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James Van Gundia Neel (March 22, 1915 – February 1, 2000) was an American geneticist who 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 genetic epidemiology and pursued an understanding of the influence of environment on genes. In his early work, he studied sickle-cell disease and thalassemia conducted research on the effects of radiation on survivors of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. ^[1]

Life

Neel attended the College of Wooster with a degree in biology in 1935 and went on to receive his Ph.D. at the University of Rochester.

In 1956, Neel established the University of Michigan Department of Genetics, the first department of human genetics at a medical school in the United States. He was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1971. ^[2]

Neel developed the " thrifty gene hypothesis" that paleolithic humans, facing long periods of hunger punctuated by brief periods of food surplus, would have adapted genetically by processing fats and carbohydrates more efficiently during feast periods, to be physiologically resilient during periods of famine. ^[3] Neel believed that this genetic adaptation might have created a predisposition to type 2 diabetes mellitus. This theory was later discredited by research conducted by Neel himself. ^[4]

Of particular interest to Neel was an understanding of the human genome in an evolutionary light, a concept he addressed in his fieldwork with cultural anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon among the Yanomamo and Xavante in Brazil and Venezuela. His involvement in this fieldwork came under scrutiny in the Darkness in El Dorado controversy, a scandal in anthropology that broke in 2000 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 virulent measles vaccine to spark off an epidemic which killed hundreds and probably thousands. ^[5] However, these claims against him were never substantiated with any evidence, and it was found later that the measles outbreak predated his arrival. The majority of the allegations in Darkness in El Dorado have since been found to have been fabricated by the author.

Organizations

Neel was concerned with nuclear fallout and radiation damage. He was active in the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission and the Radiation Effects Research Foundation. He testified several times before committees and sub-committees of the United States Congress as 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, the American Philosophical Society, the National Research Council, the Pan-American Health Organization, and the World Health Organization. ^[6]

Awards

• 1960 Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research ^[7]
• 1965 William Allan Award
• 1974 National Medal of Science

Works

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 in Science 110: 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 beta (HHB gene) which is responsible for providing instructions for the creation of the protein beta-globin. ^[8] 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. ^[9]

• 1967: "The Web of History and the Web of Life: Atomic Bombs, Inbreeding and Japanese Genes"- Published in the Michigan Quarterly Review 6:202-209, Neel discussed the aftermath of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. ^[10]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). ^[11]
• 1994: Physician to the Gene Pool: Genetic Lessons and Other Stories is 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. ^[12]

Overall Impact

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. ^[13]

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. ^[13]

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

References

External links

• James V. Neel, M.D., Ph.D. (March 22, 1915–January 31, 2000): Founder Effect
• James V. Neel, U-M Professor and Father of Modern Human Genetics, Died Feb. 1 At Age 84
• James F. Crow (2002) James V. Neel, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 146(1)
• Key Participants: James V. Neel - It's in the Blood! A Documentary History of Linus Pauling, Hemoglobin, and Sickle Cell Anemia at Oregon State University
• James V. Neel Is Dead at 84; Leading Genetics Researcher, The New York Times
• James V. Neel — Biographical Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences
• James V. Neel Papers at American Philosophical Society