Michael Marletta

Michael Marletta

Michael A. Marletta is an American biochemist known for his research in the field of nitric oxide and its role in biochemistry. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of nitric oxide signaling and its implications in various physiological processes.

Early Life and Education

Michael Marletta was born in Buffalo, New York. He completed his undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry at State University of New York at Fredonia. He then pursued a Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he conducted research under the guidance of prominent scientists in the field.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Marletta held postdoctoral positions at MIT and Harvard University. He later joined the faculty at the University of Michigan, where he began his pioneering work on nitric oxide. His research has focused on the enzymatic production of nitric oxide and its role as a signaling molecule in the body.

Marletta has held various academic and administrative positions throughout his career. He served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was also the chair of the Department of Chemistry. In addition, he was the president and CEO of the Scripps Research Institute.

Research Contributions

Marletta's research has significantly advanced the understanding of nitric oxide's role in the body. He discovered the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which is responsible for the production of nitric oxide from L-arginine. This discovery has had profound implications for the study of cardiovascular health, immune response, and neurotransmission.

His work has also explored the therapeutic potential of targeting nitric oxide pathways in various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Awards and Honors

Michael Marletta has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to biochemistry, including:

• The MacArthur Fellowship
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences
• The American Chemical Society's Award in Biological Chemistry

Personal Life

Marletta is married and has children. He continues to be active in research and academia, contributing to the scientific community through his work and mentorship of young scientists.

See Also

• Nitric oxide
• Nitric oxide synthase
• Biochemistry
• Cardiovascular disease
• Neurodegenerative disorders