Microbiologist Luciano Marraffini has cemented his reputation with his work on CRISPR-Cas systems—unique defense systems that have sparked revolutionary advances in genomics and biotechnology. From investigating CRISPR-Cas immunity at the molecular level in his lab at The Rockefeller University to developing genome editing technologies, his impact on microbiology is widespread and profound.

The Vilcek Foundation honors Luciano Marraffini with the 2024 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science, honoring a scientist and first-generation immigrant whose intellect and determination have led to innovations that are reshaping modern medicine and biotechnology. 

From Rosario to The Rockefeller: An Immigrant’s Inspiring Journey

Born in Rosario, Argentina, Marraffini’s love for science was evident early on. “As a child I loved science fiction books and movies. Naturally, that led to an interest in science when I was growing up,” he says. He recalls being particularly drawn to stories of genetic engineering—things that were science fiction at the time, but are now a core focus of Marraffini’s research.

After completing undergraduate studies in biotechnology at the National University of Rosario, Marraffini’s desire to expand his scientific research led him to apply to the University of Chicago. During the Argentinian economic crisis of 2001, he and his wife scraped together $5,000 to come to the United States with their young son. It was in a course on bacterial pathogenesis that Marraffini discovered his passion for studying the molecular bases of infection and disease. “I was fascinated by the many different mechanisms that bacteria have to colonize human tissues and make us sick,” he said. “I was immediately attracted to research that had such deep understanding at the molecular level.” Under the guidance of Olaf Schneewind, Marraffini delved into the world of Gram-positive bacteria, researching bacterial pathogenesis.

During his postdoctoral work at Northwestern University he launched his pioneering research on CRISPR-Cas systems—molecular machines—proteins—that enable bacteria to destroy the genomes of viruses that infect them. “I am captivated by bacteria and how they interact with the viruses that infect them. In particular, how they use CRISPR systems to get vaccinated and prevent future viral infections,” he says. In Erik Sontheimer’s lab, Marraffini unveiled the sequence-specific DNA destruction that CRISPR-Cas uses to halt foreign adversaries. This revelation drastically advanced the understanding of these bacterial defense systems. 

At this time, scientists were already embracing RNA-interference-based tools to manipulate cells by destroying specific RNA molecules, but “the fact that CRISPR was destroying DNA opened up a completely different set of possibilities,” says Marraffini. “CRISPR gene editing has a great potential for curing genetic diseases…. If my science can be used for curing some diseases permanently, I think that would be my biggest aspiration,” he says.

Achievements Beyond the Lab

Marraffini has been widely recognized and honored for his pioneering work on CRISPR-Cas systems, including receiving the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research in 2017 and the Max Planck-Humboldt Research Award in 2020. He was appointed Investigator by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in 2018 and elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2019.

Eyes on the Future

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Marraffini’s lab at The Rockefeller University is dedicated to pushing the forefront of microbiological research. Inspired by his own mentors, Marraffini takes pleasure in working with diverse and immigrant students and trainees, and celebrating their collective successes as they grow and advance the field further. “Every student and every postdoc in my lab has found something new or something interesting that adds to the full understanding of CRISPR,” he says. “I’m proud of the body of work.”