Jean E. Schaffer

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Jean Schaffer

Jean E. Schaffer is an American physician-scientist known for her research in the field of metabolic diseases and diabetes. She is a prominent figure in the study of lipotoxicity and its role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Education and Early Career

Jean E. Schaffer received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and her fellowship in endocrinology at Washington University in St. Louis.

Research

Schaffer's research primarily focuses on the mechanisms by which lipids contribute to cellular dysfunction and the development of metabolic diseases. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of how lipid accumulation in non-adipose tissues leads to lipotoxicity, which is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

One of her notable contributions is the identification of specific lipid molecules that are toxic to cells and the pathways through which they exert their harmful effects. This research has opened new avenues for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating lipotoxicity and improving metabolic health.

Professional Appointments

Jean E. Schaffer holds several prestigious positions in the medical and scientific community. She is a professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine and serves as the director of the Diabetes Research Center at the same institution. Additionally, she is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and the Endocrine Society.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Schaffer has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her contributions to medical research. These include the E. Lilly Award from the American Diabetes Association and the Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Institutes of Health.

Publications

Jean E. Schaffer has authored numerous scientific papers and reviews in leading medical journals. Her publications cover a wide range of topics related to metabolic diseases, including the molecular mechanisms of lipotoxicity, the role of lipids in insulin resistance, and potential therapeutic approaches for diabetes.

See Also

• Diabetes mellitus
• Insulin resistance
• Lipotoxicity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Endocrinology