Two molecular biologists who performed pioneering research on how cells express their genetic information will be awarded the annual Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research.

James E. Darnell Jr. and Robert G. Roeder will share $500,000, the largest award in medicine and science in the United States, the medical center announced Wednesday. The prize was established in 2000 by the late Morris "Marty" Silverman, a New York City businessman who wanted to encourage health and biomedical research.

Darnell discovered "RNA processing" in human cells at the Massachusetts Institute in 1963 while studying messenger RNA, which is the template for protein synthesis. Roeder broke ground in the field of gene transcription in animal cells as a University of Washington graduate student in 1969.

"By helping to define how cells grow, replicate, and become specialized, these two scientists have allowed countless other scientists and physicians to explore new ways to fight disease including viruses, heart disease, anemia and autoimmune disorders," James J. Barba, president and chief executive officer of Albany Medical Center, said in a statement.

Roeder heads the biochemistry and molecular biology lab at The Rockefeller University in New York City, where Darnell is emeritus faculty.

The prize will be awarded May 11 in Albany.