1995 INDUCTEE Charles P. Leblond, MD PhD Cells, Genetics & Genomics

Born:

February 5, 1910

(Lille, France)

Died:

April 10, 2007

Education:

MD, University of Paris (1934)

PhD, McGill University (1942)

Awards & Honours:

2001: Grand Officer of the Ordre National du Québec

2000: Companion, Order of Canada

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Developed a ground-breaking technique to visualize radioactive tissues and cells

A Canadian leader in cell biology and anatomy

Dr. Leblond was responsible for the development of a number of essential techniques advancing the field of anatomy and cell biology. In particular, the technique of autoradiography has been critical in allowing researchers to visualize radioactively labelled tissues and/or cells under the microscope. Many of his concepts were considered to be unconventional at the time, but his progressive thought and meticulous methodology endured. His discoveries had a tremendous impact on the scientific community and led to many important discoveries that fundamentally advanced our understanding of anatomy and cell biology.

Key Facts

Identified stem cells and their significant implications in clinical research

Discovered the Golgi Apparatus’ functional role in living cells

Developed a new understanding of the cell cycle

Demonstrated that cells undergo continuous renewal and continually synthesize proteins

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

Dr. Leblond was a prolific researcher and authored more than 430 publications throughout his distinguished career. His work profoundly changed the understanding of cell biology and laid an important foundation for future generations of scientists. His innovative technique, developed decades ago, remains a relevant technique for modern molecular biologists even today.

1995

October 5, 1995
Charles Leblond inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Pictured L-R: Inductees Charles Leblond MD, Herbert Jasper MD PhD, Michael Smith PhD, Henry Barnett MD, Robert Salter MD at ceremony in London, Ontario
Later years
Leblond remained a leader in cell biology and anatomy for over four decades
Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Leadership in Organizational Development
He made particularly important contributions in understanding iodine metabolism and the function and turnover of cells lining the interior wall of the intestines.
1953
Along with his student Yves Clermont, Dr. Charles Leblond discovered the first mammalian stem cells
Cells, Genetics & Genomics
That same year, they presented their theory of stem cell renewal that argued differential cells divided to produce undifferentiated cells, which they called stem cells. This discovery played a key role in the development of the field of regenerative medicine.
1940s
At McGill, Dr. Charles Leblond found the opportunity to attempt his autoradiography experiment again, this time using an isotope with a longer half-life
Cells, Genetics & Genomics
This study showed that all cells incorporated radioactive labels, allowing scientists to view cells under a microscope to study cell function and development, as well as the observation of many dynamic biological processes.
1941
Leblond arrived in Montreal with his family and began a long and successful career as a professor and researcher at McGill University.
Leadership in Organizational Development, Health and Medical Education & Training
He served as chair of the Department of Anatomy from 1957 to 1974.
1937
In France, Leblond conducted his first experiment to label radioactive molecules in the thyroid.
Cells, Genetics & Genomics
Using autoradiography, a method of localizing radioactive elements on tissue, he found that he must use a radioisotope with a longer half-life for his future studies.
1935
After securing a Rockefeller postdoctoral fellowship, Leblond attended Yale University.

In the Department of Anatomy, he developed an interest in radioisotopes. It was this particular interest that took him back to France.
1934
He graduated with a degree in medicine from the University of Paris in 1934.