Russell Debose-Boyd, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Genetics, has been recognized by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) with the Avanti Award in Lipids for his outstanding research contributions in the area of lipids.  

“My receipt of this award is a testament to the talent and work ethic of former and current members of my laboratory. I am truly honored and humbled to be included among the group of eminent scientists who have previously received the Avanti Award in Lipids,” he said.

Dr. Debose-Boyd’s research seeks to understand, in molecular detail, the mechanisms for feedback regulation of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. His lab discovered the pathway by which sterol and nonsterol isoprenoids combine to regulate the degradation of HMG-CoA reductase. Understanding these basic mechanisms will inform new approaches to prevention and treatment of heart disease. 

With over 11,000 members comprising students, researchers, educators, and industry professionals, the ASBMB is one of the largest molecular life science societies in the world. The Avanti Award in Lipids includes a plaque, $3,000, and expenses and transportation to present a lecture at the ASBMB annual meeting.