Renowned scientist Dr. Peter Tontonoz will be awarded the 2025 Basic Research Prize by the American Heart Association.
Dr. Peter Tontonoz, a distinguished scientist and physician, is making significant strides in the field of metabolism and immunology. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Tontonoz has been recognised as a member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.
Dr. Tontonoz's groundbreaking research has shed light on the enzymes that govern the intestine and liver's fat processing, providing valuable insights for the development of better treatments for heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. His findings have opened the door to more precise and effective treatments, revolutionising the way we approach these conditions.
One of Dr. Tontonoz's most notable discoveries is the link between metabolism and the immune system, a field now known as immunometabolism. This discovery has paved the way for a deeper understanding of how these two systems interact, with potential implications for a wide range of diseases.
In addition to his research, Dr. Tontonoz has made significant contributions to the understanding of cholesterol, fatty acid, and phospholipid metabolism in the body. He has uncovered new ways the body regulates cholesterol, including the identification of a protein that controls LDL ("bad") cholesterol removal. Recently, he discovered a protein called Aster, which plays a key role in how the body absorbs dietary fat and helps move cholesterol inside cells.
Dr. Tontonoz's influence extends beyond his own research, as he has mentored numerous scientists who now lead successful research groups throughout the scientific community. He is also a member of the editorial boards for several prestigious peer-review scientific journals, including the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Genes & Development.
Dr. Tontonoz serves on several National Institutes of Health (NIH) study sections and is the Frances and Albert Piansky Endowed Chair and a professor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. Before his current appointment, he was a professor and researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Tontonoz will receive the Basic Research Prize from the American Heart Association in 2025. His mission to illuminate the ways fat-related processes influence both normal tissue function and disease pathology continues, as he strives to find new ways to prevent or treat cardiovascular conditions.
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