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{{Short description|Zimbabwean scientist}}
{{Infobox scientist
{{Infobox scientist
| name = Christopher J Chetsanga
| name = Christopher J Chetsanga
Line 4: Line 5:
| birth_place = [[Murewa|Murehwa]], [[Rhodesia]] (now [[Zimbabwe]])
| birth_place = [[Murewa|Murehwa]], [[Rhodesia]] (now [[Zimbabwe]])
| nationality = [[Zimbabwe]]an
| nationality = [[Zimbabwe]]an
| field = [[Biochemistry]], [[Molecular Biology]]
| field = [[Biochemistry]]<br/>[[Molecular Biology]]
| image = Christopher_Chetsanga.jpg
| work_institution = [[University of Zimbabwe]]
| caption = Christopher Chetsanga demonstrates to students how to do an experiment
⚫
| alma_mater = [[University of California]], [[Pepperdine University]], [[University of Toronto]]
| work_institution = [[Harvard University]]<br/>[[University of Michigan]]<br/>[[University of Zimbabwe]]<br/>[[Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre]]<br/>[[Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University]]
⚫
| alma_mater = [[University of California]]<br/>[[Pepperdine University]]<br/>[[University of Toronto]]
| thesis_title =
| thesis_url =
| doctoral_advisor =
| doctoral_advisor =
| doctoral_students =
| doctoral_students =
| known_for = Discovery of two enzymes involved in [[DNA repair]]<br/>[[Academic administration]]
| known_for = Discovery of two enzymes involved in DNA repair, which earned him a nomination for the [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://hrassoc.net/blog/modules/news/article.php?storyid=17|title=UGLIEST STEREOTYPE SHATTERED!|accessdate=2009-09-22|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222234141/http://hrassoc.net/blog/modules/news/article.php?storyid=17|archivedate=2012-02-22}}</ref>
| prizes =
| prizes = [[UNESCO]] Gold Medal Award winner <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.renaissance.co.zw/profiles/PROF.html|title=ReNaissance Financial Holdings Limited|accessdate=2009-09-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009001210/http://www.renaissance.co.zw/profiles/PROF.html|archive-date=2011-10-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| religion =
| religion =
| footnotes=
| footnotes=
}}
}}


'''Christopher J. Chetsanga''' (born 1935 in [[Murewa|Murehwa]], [[Rhodesia]]) is a prominent [[Zimbabwe]]an scientist who is a member of the [[African Academy of Sciences]].<ref>AAS. [http://www.aasciences.org/index.php/zimbambwe/176-chetsanga-j-christophe-prof "Chetsanga, J. Christophe, Prof."], ''Fellow of AAS since 1986; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology'', Nairobi, unknown. Retrieved on 28 August 2014.</ref>
'''Christopher J. Chetsanga''' (born 1935 in [[Murewa|Murehwa]], [[Rhodesia]]) is a prominent [[Zimbabwe]]an scientist who is a member of the [[African Academy of Sciences]] and [[The World Academy of Sciences]].<ref>AAS. [http://www.aasciences.org/index.php/zimbambwe/176-chetsanga-j-christophe-prof "Chetsanga, J. Christophe, Prof."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903105644/http://www.aasciences.org/index.php/zimbambwe/176-chetsanga-j-christophe-prof |date=2014-09-03 }}, ''Fellow of AAS since 1986; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology'', Nairobi, unknown. Retrieved on 28 August 2014.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Christopher Chetsanga - Pepperdine's Outstanding Alumni Abroad {{!}} Pepperdine University |url=https://www.pepperdine.edu/alumni/outstanding-alumni/abroad/profiles/christopher-chetsanga.htm |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=www.pepperdine.edu}}</ref> He discovered two [[Enzyme|enzymes]] involved in [[DNA repair]].<ref name="Chetsanga1985" /><ref name="Chetsanga1979" /> He has also held various [[Academic administration|academic administrative]] posts like [[Vice-chancellor|Vice-Chancellor]], [[List of academic ranks|Director]] and [[Dean (education)|Dean]].


==Biography==
==Biography==
Chetsanga was born in Murewa, Zimbabwe on 22 August 1935,<ref name="TWAS">{{cite web |title=CHETSANGA Christopher J. |url=https://twas.org/directory/chetsanga-christopher-j |website=TWAS |publisher=The World Academy of Science |accessdate=19 July 2020}}</ref> and was baptised in 1948. In his youth, he was educated at [[Nhowe]] Mission, and went on the study at [[University of California]] where he received his [[BSc]] in 1965. Chetsanga also studied for a period at [[University of Berkeley]] and [[Pepperdine University]].<ref name="Para">{{cite book |last1=David Mubvumbi |first1=Paradzayi |title=Christianity And Traditional Religions Of Zimbabwe : Contrasts And Similarities. |date=2016 |publisher=Westbow Press |isbn=9781512745108 |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=jWFiDAAAQBAJ |accessdate=19 July 2020}}</ref> In 1969, he received his [[MSc]] and [[PhD]] in [[biochemistry]] and [[molecular biology]] from [[University of Toronto]]<ref name="Para" /> before becoming a [[Postdoctoral researcher|post doctoral]] [[fellow]] at [[Harvard University]] between 1969 and 1972.<ref name="TWAS" /> Between 1972 and 1983 he became a professor at the [[University of Michigan]], then in 1983 he left to become the senior lecturer in Biochemistry for [[University of Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Prof. Christopher James Chetsanga |url=https://www.uz.ac.zw/index.php/departments-sci/169-biochemistry/1003-prof-christopher-james-chetsanga |accessdate=19 July 2020|work=University of Zimbabwe}}</ref> In 1990, President [[Robert Mugabe]] awarded him ''President’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to Science and Technology''.<ref name="TWAS" /><ref name=EAI>{{cite news |title=EAI International Conference for Research, Innovation and Development for Africa |url=http://acridconference.org/2017/show/keynotes |accessdate=19 July 2020 |work=EAI |date=June 2017}}</ref><ref name="AAS">{{cite web |title=Chetsanga Christopher |url=https://www.aasciences.africa/fellow/chetsanga-christopher |website=African Academy of Sciences |accessdate=19 July 2020}}</ref>
Chetsanga was born in Murewa, Zimbabwe on 22 August 1935,<ref name="TWAS">{{cite web |title=CHETSANGA Christopher J. |url=https://twas.org/directory/chetsanga-christopher-j |website=TWAS |publisher=The World Academy of Science |accessdate=19 July 2020}}</ref> and was baptised in 1948. In his youth, he was educated at [[Nhowe]] Mission, and went on to study at [[University of California, Berkeley]] where he received his [[BSc]] in 1965. Chetsanga also studied for a period at [[Pepperdine University]].<ref name="Para">{{cite book |last1=David Mubvumbi |first1=Paradzayi |title=Christianity And Traditional Religions Of Zimbabwe : Contrasts And Similarities. |date=2016 |publisher=Westbow Press |isbn=9781512745108 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jWFiDAAAQBAJ |accessdate=19 July 2020}}</ref> In 1969, he received his [[MSc]] and [[PhD]] in [[biochemistry]] and [[molecular biology]] from [[University of Toronto]]<ref name="Para" /> before becoming a [[Postdoctoral researcher|post doctoral]] [[fellow]] at [[Harvard University]] between 1969 and 1972.<ref name="TWAS" /> Between 1972 and 1983 he became a professor at the [[University of Michigan]], then in 1983 he left to become the senior lecturer in Biochemistry for [[University of Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Prof. Christopher James Chetsanga |url=https://www.uz.ac.zw/index.php/departments-sci/169-biochemistry/1003-prof-christopher-james-chetsanga |accessdate=19 July 2020|work=University of Zimbabwe}}</ref> In 1990, President [[Robert Mugabe]] awarded him ''President’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to Science and Technology''.<ref name="TWAS" /><ref name=EAI>{{cite news |title=EAI International Conference for Research, Innovation and Development for Africa |url=http://acridconference.org/2017/show/keynotes |accessdate=19 July 2020 |work=EAI |date=June 2017}}</ref><ref name="AAS">{{cite web |title=Chetsanga Christopher |url=https://www.aasciences.africa/fellow/chetsanga-christopher |website=African Academy of Sciences |accessdate=19 July 2020}}</ref> Has also awarded the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ziana |first=New |date=2021-08-09 |title=Zimbabwe awards civilian heroes - New Ziana |url=https://newziana.co.zw/2021/08/09/zimbabwe-awards-civilian-heroes/,%20https://newziana.co.zw/2021/08/09/zimbabwe-awards-civilian-heroes/ |access-date=2022-10-03 |language=en-GB}}</ref> He is presently the vice chancellor at [[Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University - Home|url=https://www.zegu.ac.zw/|access-date=2021-06-02|website=www.zegu.ac.zw}}</ref>


In 2004, when the [[Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences]] was formed, Chetsanga was appointed the first president of the academy.<ref>{{cite news |title=OWSD Zimbabwe National Chapter is Launched |url=https://owsd.net/resources/news-events/owsd-zimbabwe-national-chapter-launched |accessdate=19 July 2020 |work=Organization for women in science for the developing world |date=20 November 2018}}</ref> Chetsanga advocated the use of [[genetically modified organisms|generically modified food sources]] as a possible solution for food shortages in Africa in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=GMB to import GMO Maize |url=http://www.newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk/2020/04/gmb-to-import-gmo-maize.html |accessdate=19 July 2020 |work=NewsdzeZimbabwe |date=23 April 2020}}</ref>
In 2004, when the [[Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences]] was formed, Chetsanga was appointed the first president of the academy.<ref>{{cite news |title=OWSD Zimbabwe National Chapter is Launched |url=https://owsd.net/resources/news-events/owsd-zimbabwe-national-chapter-launched |accessdate=19 July 2020 |work=Organization for women in science for the developing world |date=20 November 2018}}</ref> Chetsanga advocated the use of [[genetically modified organisms|genetically modified food sources]] as a possible solution for food shortages in Africa in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=GMB to import GMO Maize |url=http://www.newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk/2020/04/gmb-to-import-gmo-maize.html |accessdate=19 July 2020 |work=NewsdzeZimbabwe |date=23 April 2020}}</ref>


== Scientific Achievements ==
== Scientific Achievements ==
Chetsanga has discovered two [[enzymes]] involved in the repair of damaged [[DNA]], firstly [[Formamidopyrimidine DNA Glycosylase]], which removes damaged [[7-methylguanine]] from DNA (1979).<ref name=Chetsanga1979>{{cite journal
Chetsanga has discovered two [[enzymes]] involved in the repair of damaged [[DNA]]: firstly, [[formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase]], which removes damaged [[7-methylguanine]] from DNA (1979),<ref name=Chetsanga1979>{{cite journal
| author = Chetsanga, C.J. |author2=Lindahl, T. | year = 1979 | title = Release of 7-methylguanine residues whose imidazole rings have been opened from damaged DNA by a DNA glycosylase from Escherichia coli
| author = Chetsanga, C.J. |author2=Lindahl, T. | year = 1979 | title = Release of 7-methylguanine residues whose imidazole rings have been opened from damaged DNA by a DNA glycosylase from Escherichia coli
| journal = Nucleic Acids Res | volume = 6 | issue = 11 | pages = 3673–84 | doi = 10.1093/nar/6.11.3673
| journal = Nucleic Acids Res | volume = 6 | issue = 11 | pages = 3673–84 | doi = 10.1093/nar/6.11.3673
| pmid = 386277
| pmid = 386277
| pmc = 327965 }}</ref> and secondly DNA cyclase, which recloses imidazole rings of [[guanine]] and [[adenine]] damaged by x-irradiation (1985).<ref name=Chetsanga1985>{{cite journal | author = Chetsanga, C.J. |author2=Grigorian, C. | year = 1985 | title = In situ enzymatic reclosure of opened imidazole rings of purines in DNA damaged by gamma-irradiation | journal = Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | volume = 82 | issue = 3 | pages = 633–637 | doi = 10.1073/pnas.82.3.633 | pmid = 3856219 | pmc = 397099 | jstor=25324}}</ref>
| pmc = 327965 }}</ref> and secondly, [[purine imidazole-ring cyclase]], which re-closes [[imidazole ring]]s of [[guanine]] and [[adenine]] damaged by x-irradiation (1985).<ref name=Chetsanga1985>{{cite journal | author = Chetsanga, C.J. |author2=Grigorian, C. | year = 1985 | title = In situ enzymatic reclosure of opened imidazole rings of purines in DNA damaged by gamma-irradiation | journal = Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America | volume = 82 | issue = 3 | pages = 633–637 | doi = 10.1073/pnas.82.3.633 | pmid = 3856219 | pmc = 397099 | jstor=25324|bibcode=1985PNAS...82..633C |doi-access=free }}</ref>


According the Chetsanga, his research focus in his scientific career has been on DNA and RNA structural and functional details as they relate to cellular metabolism and disease development.<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher J. Chetsanga |url=https://www.pepperdine.edu/alumni/outstanding-alumni-abroad/profiles/christopher-chetsanga.htm |website=Pepperdine |accessdate=19 July 2020}}</ref>
According to Chetsanga, his research focus in his scientific career has been on DNA and RNA structural and functional details as they relate to cellular metabolism and disease development.<ref>{{cite web |title=Christopher J. Chetsanga |url=https://www.pepperdine.edu/alumni/outstanding-alumni-abroad/profiles/christopher-chetsanga.htm |website=Pepperdine |accessdate=19 July 2020}}</ref>
<!--== Awards and honours ==-->
<!--==Personal life== ==-->

== Select publications ==
* {{Cite Q|Q59071826}}
* {{Cite Q|Q24632415}}
* {{Cite Q|Q24568209}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070822154252/http://www.uz.ac.zw/science/biochemistry/chetsanga.html Brief Curriculum Vitae, University of Zimbabwe, Department of Biochemistry]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070822154252/http://www.uz.ac.zw/science/biochemistry/chetsanga.html Brief Curriculum Vitae, University of Zimbabwe, Department of Biochemistry]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chetsanga, Christopher}}
[[Category:Zimbabwean scientists]]
[[Category:1935 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Biochemists]]
[[Category:People from Mashonaland East Province]]
[[Category:University of California alumni]]
[[Category:Pepperdine University alumni]]
[[Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni]]
[[Category:University of Toronto alumni]]
[[Category:University of Michigan faculty]]
[[Category:Academic staff of the University of Zimbabwe]]
[[Category:Fellows of the African Academy of Sciences]]
[[Category:Fellows of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences]]

Latest revision as of 12:49, 30 December 2023

Christopher J Chetsanga
Christopher Chetsanga demonstrates to students how to do an experiment
Born (1935-08-22) 22 August 1935 (age 88)
Murehwa, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)
NationalityZimbabwean
Alma materUniversity of California
Pepperdine University
University of Toronto
Known forDiscovery of two enzymes involved in DNA repair
Academic administration
Scientific career
FieldsBiochemistry
Molecular Biology
InstitutionsHarvard University
University of Michigan
University of Zimbabwe
Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre
Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University

Christopher J. Chetsanga (born 1935 in Murehwa, Rhodesia) is a prominent Zimbabwean scientist who is a member of the African Academy of Sciences and The World Academy of Sciences.[1][2] He discovered two enzymes involved in DNA repair.[3][4] He has also held various academic administrative posts like Vice-Chancellor, Director and Dean.

Biography[edit]

Chetsanga was born in Murewa, Zimbabwe on 22 August 1935,[5] and was baptised in 1948. In his youth, he was educated at Nhowe Mission, and went on to study at University of California, Berkeley where he received his BSc in 1965. Chetsanga also studied for a period at Pepperdine University.[6] In 1969, he received his MSc and PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from University of Toronto[6] before becoming a post doctoral fellow at Harvard University between 1969 and 1972.[5] Between 1972 and 1983 he became a professor at the University of Michigan, then in 1983 he left to become the senior lecturer in Biochemistry for University of Zimbabwe.[7] In 1990, President Robert Mugabe awarded him President’s Award for Distinguished Contribution to Science and Technology.[5][8][9] Has also awarded the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe.[10] He is presently the vice chancellor at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University.[11]

In 2004, when the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences was formed, Chetsanga was appointed the first president of the academy.[12] Chetsanga advocated the use of genetically modified food sources as a possible solution for food shortages in Africa in 2020.[13]

Scientific Achievements[edit]

Chetsanga has discovered two enzymes involved in the repair of damaged DNA: firstly, formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, which removes damaged 7-methylguanine from DNA (1979),[4] and secondly, purine imidazole-ring cyclase, which re-closes imidazole rings of guanine and adenine damaged by x-irradiation (1985).[3]

According to Chetsanga, his research focus in his scientific career has been on DNA and RNA structural and functional details as they relate to cellular metabolism and disease development.[14]

Select publications[edit]

  • C. J. Chetsanga; V. Boyd; L. Peterson; K. Rushlow (1 January 1975). "Single-stranded regions in DNA of old mice" (PDF). Nature. 253 (5487): 130–131. doi:10.1038/253130A0. ISSN 1476-4687. PMID 1110761. Wikidata Q59071826.
  • C. J. Chetsanga; Tomas Lindahl (10 August 1979). "Release of 7-methylguanine residues whose imidazole rings have been opened from damaged DNA by a DNA glycosylase from Escherichia coli". Nucleic Acids Research. 6 (11): 3673–84. doi:10.1093/NAR/6.11.3673. ISSN 0305-1048. PMC 327965. PMID 386277. Wikidata Q24632415.
  • C J Chetsanga; C Grigorian (February 1985). "In situ enzymatic reclosure of opened imidazole rings of purines in DNA damaged by gamma-irradiation". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 82 (3): 633–7. Bibcode:1985PNAS...82..633C. doi:10.1073/PNAS.82.3.633. ISSN 0027-8424. PMC 397099. PMID 3856219. Wikidata Q24568209.

References[edit]

  1. ^ AAS. "Chetsanga, J. Christophe, Prof." Archived 2014-09-03 at the Wayback Machine, Fellow of AAS since 1986; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nairobi, unknown. Retrieved on 28 August 2014.
  2. ^ "Christopher Chetsanga - Pepperdine's Outstanding Alumni Abroad | Pepperdine University". www.pepperdine.edu. Retrieved 2022-10-03.
  3. ^ a b Chetsanga, C.J.; Grigorian, C. (1985). "In situ enzymatic reclosure of opened imidazole rings of purines in DNA damaged by gamma-irradiation". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 82 (3): 633–637. Bibcode:1985PNAS...82..633C. doi:10.1073/pnas.82.3.633. JSTOR 25324. PMC 397099. PMID 3856219.
  4. ^ a b Chetsanga, C.J.; Lindahl, T. (1979). "Release of 7-methylguanine residues whose imidazole rings have been opened from damaged DNA by a DNA glycosylase from Escherichia coli". Nucleic Acids Res. 6 (11): 3673–84. doi:10.1093/nar/6.11.3673. PMC 327965. PMID 386277.
  5. ^ a b c "CHETSANGA Christopher J." TWAS. The World Academy of Science. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  6. ^ a b David Mubvumbi, Paradzayi (2016). Christianity And Traditional Religions Of Zimbabwe : Contrasts And Similarities. Westbow Press. ISBN 9781512745108. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  7. ^ "Prof. Christopher James Chetsanga". University of Zimbabwe. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  8. ^ "EAI International Conference for Research, Innovation and Development for Africa". EAI. June 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  9. ^ "Chetsanga Christopher". African Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  10. ^ Ziana, New (2021-08-09). "Zimbabwe awards civilian heroes - New Ziana". Retrieved 2022-10-03.
  11. ^ "Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University - Home". www.zegu.ac.zw. Retrieved 2021-06-02.
  12. ^ "OWSD Zimbabwe National Chapter is Launched". Organization for women in science for the developing world. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  13. ^ "GMB to import GMO Maize". NewsdzeZimbabwe. 23 April 2020. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  14. ^ "Christopher J. Chetsanga". Pepperdine. Retrieved 19 July 2020.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christopher_Chetsanga&oldid=1192629487"