UCLA Researcher Peter Tontonoz to Receive 2025 American Heart Association Basic Research Prize
TL;DR
Dr. Tontonoz's discoveries of novel cholesterol mechanisms like Aster protein offer pharmaceutical companies competitive advantages in developing next-generation therapies beyond statins.
Dr. Tontonoz's research systematically identified key proteins like PPAR-gamma and SREBP1c that regulate lipid metabolism through precise cellular mechanisms and pathways.
This research advances global heart health by enabling more precise treatments for cardiovascular diseases, improving outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
Dr. Tontonoz discovered Aster, a novel cholesterol transfer protein that moves dietary lipids from membranes to cellular processing centers.
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Dr. Peter Tontonoz, distinguished professor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, will receive the Basic Research Prize from the American Heart Association during its Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans. The award recognizes his transformative contributions to understanding cholesterol, fatty acid, and phospholipid metabolism, which have fundamentally changed how heart disease and metabolic disorders are understood and treated.
Dr. Tontonoz's research has uncovered critical mechanisms that maintain fat balance in the body, from individual cells to entire organ systems. His identification of an E3 ligase that targets and degrades the LDL receptor opened new avenues for cholesterol-lowering therapies beyond statins, potentially offering alternative treatments for millions of patients who cannot tolerate existing medications. His work on the nuclear receptor Liver X Receptor demonstrated the intersection between immunology and metabolism, helping establish the emerging field of immunometabolism.
Among his most significant recent discoveries is the characterization of a novel cholesterol transfer protein called Aster, which moves cholesterol from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum and serves as a key factor in lipid uptake from the diet. This discovery, along with his identification of important membrane phospholipid remodeling enzymes that affect intestinal and liver physiology, has deepened the scientific understanding of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, the American Heart Association's 2025-2026 volunteer president, stated that Dr. Tontonoz's scientific contributions to lipid metabolism impact every individual and that he is widely regarded as a brilliant and innovative leader in cardiovascular research. The recognition comes during the Association's premier global exchange of scientific advancements, which will be held November 7-10, 2025. More information about the event is available at https://heart.org.
Dr. Tontonoz's work has far-reaching implications for cardiovascular health worldwide. His research has paved the way for more precise and effective treatments that could improve outcomes for millions of patients suffering from heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions. The Basic Research Prize acknowledges not only his laboratory achievements but also his role in mentoring multiple scientists who now lead successful research groups throughout the scientific community.
The impact of Dr. Tontonoz's research extends beyond academic circles to practical clinical applications. His discoveries continue to influence drug development and therapeutic approaches, potentially leading to new treatments that address the root causes of cardiovascular disease rather than just managing symptoms. This recognition by the American Heart Association underscores the critical importance of basic research in driving medical advancements that benefit global public health.
Curated from NewMediaWire
