The American Heart Association will award its 2025 Basic Research Prize to Peter Tontonoz, M.D., Ph.D., distinguished professor at UCLA, for his groundbreaking research on lipid metabolism that has transformed scientific understanding of cardiovascular diseases. The award will be presented during the Scientific Sessions 2025 meeting in New Orleans from November 7-10, recognizing Dr. Tontonoz's contributions to cholesterol, fatty acid, and phospholipid metabolism research.
Dr. Tontonoz's work has fundamentally changed how heart disease and metabolic disorders are understood and treated. His identification of an E3 ligase that targets and degrades the LDL receptor opened new avenues for cholesterol-lowering therapies beyond statins. His research on the nuclear receptor Liver X Receptor (LXR) demonstrated the intersection between immunology and metabolism, helping establish the field of immunometabolism. These discoveries are detailed in numerous peer-reviewed publications available through resources like https://www.heart.org.
Most recently, Dr. Tontonoz characterized 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 research, along with his discovery of important membrane phospholipid remodeling enzymes that affect intestinal and liver physiology, has deepened understanding of cardiovascular and metabolic disease pathology. The implications of this work extend to developing more precise and effective treatments that could improve outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association's 2025-2026 volunteer president, stated that Dr. Tontonoz's scientific contributions to lipid metabolism impact every individual and represent transformative advancements in heart health research. His work has been cited in more than 220 peer-reviewed articles and has mentored multiple scientists who now lead successful research groups throughout the scientific community.
Dr. Tontonoz's research continues to illuminate the intricate ways fat-related processes influence both normal tissue function and disease pathology, with the mission of finding new ways to prevent or treat cardiovascular conditions. The recognition by the American Heart Association highlights the critical importance of basic research in advancing cardiovascular science and developing innovative treatments for heart disease, diabetes, and related conditions that affect global populations.
