July 26, 2002

Goldstein Delivers 3rd Annual Lerner Lecture

Nobel Laureate Joseph L. Goldstein, M.D., delivered the Third Annual Lerner Lecture in Bunts Auditorium. Dr. Goldstein addressed SREBPs: Activators of Lipid Synthesis and Monitors of Membrane Production.

Dr. Goldstein's recent research interests focus on Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins (SREBPs) and the mechanism by which they regulate cholesterol metabolism at the molecular, cellular and whole body levels. SREBPs are membrane-bound basic/helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) transcription factors that regulate the synthesis and uptake of cholesterol and fatty acids in animal cells. Dr. Goldstein has detailed the activity of two SREBPs regulated by cellular sterol content. His address will delineate the feedback mechanism governing SREBP activity and the role of SREBPs in assuring steady-state supply and the prevention of overaccumulation of cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids. SREBPs appear to be the key molecules in the pathway controlling lipid composition of cell membranes.

In a joint award shared with his long-time friend and research partner Michael S. Brown, M.D., Dr. Goldstein received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1985 for discoveries of the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. After receiving the Nobel Prize, the researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center credited scientists from a diverse array of disciplines who participated in key experiments in genetics, cell biology, molecular pharmacology, electron microscopy, nuclear medicine, immunology, surgery and medicine. Drs. Goldstein and Brown developed a model for integrating multi-disciplinary approaches to unravel the mysteries of human biology, pathologies and molecular medicine.

Dr. Goldstein is Professor of Molecular Genetics and Internal Medicine and Regental Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

Contact

Russell J. Vanderboom, Ph.D.

Medical Scientific Writer

Tel.: (216) 444-5830

Email: vanderr@ccf.org