Ronald Vale

Ronald Vale in September 2018

Ronald Vale is an American cell biologist and biochemist known for his pioneering research in the field of molecular motors and intracellular transport. He is a professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

Early Life and Education

Vale was born in Hollywood, California. He completed his undergraduate studies in biology and chemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He then pursued a Ph.D. in neuroscience at Stanford University, where he worked under the mentorship of Eric Shooter.

Research and Discoveries

Vale's research has significantly advanced the understanding of molecular motors, particularly the kinesin family of proteins. In 1985, while working as a graduate student, Vale and his colleagues discovered kinesin, a protein that moves along microtubules and is essential for intracellular transport. This discovery was a major breakthrough in cell biology, as it provided insight into how materials are transported within cells.

Vale's lab has also contributed to the understanding of the mechanism of action of other molecular motors, such as dynein and myosin. His work has implications for understanding various cellular processes, including cell division, neuronal function, and organelle transport.

Awards and Honors

Ronald Vale has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science, including:

• The Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (2012)
• The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize (2017)
• The Canada Gairdner International Award (2019)
• Election to the National Academy of Sciences
• Election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Professional Affiliations

Vale is a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the American Society for Cell Biology and the Biophysical Society. He has also served on the editorial boards of various scientific journals.

Personal Life

Vale is married and has two children. He is also known for his efforts in science education and outreach, including the development of educational resources for students and teachers.

See Also

• Molecular motor
• Intracellular transport
• Kinesin
• Dynein
• Myosin
• Cell biology
• Biochemistry