Dr. James Ntambi

Biography

James Ntambi is a Steenbock Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He specializes in the genetic regulation of metabolism and adipocyte biology, particularly focusing on fat cell differentiation and the interaction between dietary factors and hormonal influences on gene expression. Ntambi's research primarily investigates the genetic basis of obesity, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, diabetes, and other non-communicable metabolic diseases, especially in developing countries. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of the regulation of mammalian stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) genes, which encode enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids. His studies have shown that genetically engineered mice, which lack stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene-1, are resistant to obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, highlighting critical aspects of metabolic syndrome. Through his work, he aims to provide nutritional interventions to prevent or delay the progression of metabolic diseases.

Research Interests