Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 15, 2025
UCLA's Dr. Tontonoz Wins Top Heart Research Prize for Lipid Metabolism Breakthroughs
TLDR
- 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.
Impact - Why it Matters
Dr. Tontonoz's research directly impacts millions of people worldwide by advancing our understanding of cholesterol and lipid metabolism, which are fundamental to cardiovascular health. His discoveries have led to new treatment approaches for heart disease and diabetes, conditions that affect hundreds of millions globally. The development of cholesterol-lowering therapies beyond statins, enabled by his work on LDL receptor targeting and the Aster protein, offers hope for patients who don't respond to existing treatments. This research matters because cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and improved understanding of lipid metabolism could lead to more effective prevention strategies and personalized treatments that save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
Summary
Dr. Peter Tontonoz, a distinguished professor at UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine, will receive the prestigious Basic Research Prize from the American Heart Association during its Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans. The award recognizes his groundbreaking work in lipid metabolism, which has transformed our understanding of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Dr. Tontonoz's research has identified key mechanisms in cholesterol regulation, including the discovery of an E3 ligase that targets LDL receptors and the characterization of the Aster cholesterol transfer protein, opening new avenues for treatment beyond statins.
His contributions extend to the field of immunometabolism through his work on the Liver X Receptor (LXR), demonstrating the intersection between immunology and metabolism. These foundational discoveries have paved the way for more precise and effective treatments for heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. Dr. Tontonoz, a member of both the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Medicine, has been cited in over 220 peer-reviewed articles and has mentored numerous scientists who now lead research groups worldwide.
The American Heart Association, through its Scientific Sessions 2025, continues to serve as a premier global exchange for cardiovascular science advancements. Dr. Stacey E. Rosen, the Association's 2025-2026 volunteer president, emphasized that Dr. Tontonoz's work impacts every individual by advancing our understanding of critical heart health factors. The recognition ceremony will take place during the Presidential Session on November 9, 2025, highlighting the significance of his contributions to medical science and patient care.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, UCLA's Dr. Tontonoz Wins Top Heart Research Prize for Lipid Metabolism Breakthroughs
