Dr. Peter Tontonoz

Biography

Peter Tontonoz is a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His research primarily focuses on the role of lipid metabolism in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Tontonoz's laboratory investigates the regulatory mechanisms of gene expression and how these pathways affect physiology and disease. His work has highlighted the importance of lipid signaling in the activation of nuclear receptors, particularly liver X receptors (LXRs) and their impact on cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory processes. Recent studies from his laboratory have shown that LXR signaling can inhibit inflammatory gene expression in macrophages, linking lipid homeostasis with immune response regulation. The application of synthetic LXR ligands has been demonstrated to reduce atherosclerosis in animal models, underscoring the significance of lipid metabolism in chronic diseases. Through his research, Tontonoz aims to further understand the intricate connections between lipid metabolism and various pathological states.

Research Interests

Experience