Alan R. Saltiel

Alan R. Saltiel

Alan R. Saltiel is an American biochemist and cell biologist known for his research in the field of insulin signaling and diabetes. He is currently a professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the director of the UCSD Institute for Diabetes and Metabolic Health.

Early Life and Education

Alan R. Saltiel was born in New York City. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Duke University in 1975. He then went on to receive his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1980.

Career

Saltiel began his career as a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the laboratory of J. Michael Bishop. He later joined the faculty at the University of Michigan, where he served as the John Jacob Abel Professor in the Life Sciences and the director of the Life Sciences Institute.

In 2015, Saltiel moved to the University of California, San Diego, where he became the director of the UCSD Institute for Diabetes and Metabolic Health. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of insulin action and the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity.

Research Contributions

Saltiel's research has significantly advanced the understanding of insulin signaling pathways. He has identified several key proteins involved in the insulin signaling cascade, including IRS-1 (Insulin Receptor Substrate 1) and GLUT4 (Glucose Transporter Type 4). His work has also explored the role of adipocytes (fat cells) in insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Saltiel has received numerous awards and honors, including:

• The Elliott P. Joslin Medal from the Joslin Diabetes Center
• The Lilly Award from the American Diabetes Association
• Election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Personal Life

Alan R. Saltiel is married and has two children. He is an avid supporter of science education and frequently participates in outreach programs to promote careers in biomedical research.

See Also

• Insulin signaling pathway
• Diabetes mellitus type 2
• Adipocyte
• University of California, San Diego