ST. LOUIS -- Dr. Stuart Kornfeld, a groundbreaking medical researcher and longtime professor of medicine at Washington University, died Sunday in St. Louis from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 88.
Kornfeld was a pioneer in the study of glycoproteins, molecules made up of sugars attached to proteins. His work spurred various clinical innovations, including treatments for some inherited genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs and Gaucher diseases.
Dr. Victoria Fraser, chair of WashU's Department of Medicine, said Kornfeld's basic research has had "outsized influence" in many fields, including metabolism, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, hematology and oncology.
The university said Kornfeld and his wife, fellow researcher Rosalind Hauk Kornfeld, who died in 2007, together led the glycoprotein field for decades, co-writing many key papers.
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In 2018, he co-founded M6P Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing treatments for disorders such as Tay-Sachs, Gaucher and Pompe diseases.
Kornfeld also was well-known for training and mentoring physician-scientists. He directed the university's Medical Scientist Training Program from 1991 to 1997.
He then began a new program for physician-scientists between their graduation and their first faculty appointment, ensuring they are well trained in both research and clinical medicine.
Similar training programs were later begun at more than 30 medical schools across the United States.
Kornfeld also was co-director of Washington U.'s Division of Hematology-Oncology from 1976 to 1992 and co-director of its Division of Hematology from 1993 to 2009.
Over the years he received many awards such as the American Society of Hematology's E. Donnall Thomas Prize.
Kornfeld grew up in University City and Ladue and graduated from Ladue Horton Watkins High. He earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from WashU He joined the faculty in 1966.
He lived in Frontenac for decades until his death.
Among the survivors are a daughter, Katherine Kornfeld of St. Louis; a son, Dr. Kerry Kornfeld of Ladue; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Information on a celebration of life will be announced later.
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