Rutgers Professor Awarded Prestigious Tabor Research Award for Lipid Metabolism Breakthroughs
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Groundbreaking research into the regulation of fats at the cellular level has earned a Rutgers University professor a top honor in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology.
George Carman, board of governors professor at Rutgers University and founding director of the Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, has been awarded the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s (ASBMB) Herbert Tabor Research Award. The recognition celebrates his significant contributions to understanding phospholipids – the fundamental building blocks of cell membranes – and their connection to major diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The award also represents a poignant moment for Carman, who first met his mentor, Herbert Tabor, at an ASBMB meeting in 1992 and later benefited from Tabor’s guidance as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC).
A Full-Circle Moment of Recognition
“This respect from one of science’s most famous figures was deeply meaningful,” Carman stated, reflecting on his relationship with Tabor. “I am both humbled and profoundly gratified to receive this prestigious recognition.” The award acknowledges not only Carman’s scientific achievements but also the enduring impact of mentorship in fostering groundbreaking research.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Lipid Metabolism
Carman’s research centers on the intricate regulation of lipid metabolism, a process vital for maintaining cellular health. Lipids, often referred to as fats, are not simply energy stores; they form the structural basis of cell membranes and play crucial roles in cell signaling and metabolic processes. Using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae – a model organism sharing significant genetic similarities with humans – Carman’s team has illuminated the complex pathways governing lipid synthesis and regulation.
“The imbalance of lipid metabolism is a central driver for major diseases, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease,” Carman explained. This understanding is driving his work toward potential therapeutic interventions.
Identifying a Key Metabolic Gatekeeper: PAP
A cornerstone of Carman’s research is the identification and characterization of phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAP), an enzyme he describes as a “metabolic gatekeeper.” PAP controls whether lipid building blocks are directed towards creating new membranes or stored as fat. His work demonstrates that a deficiency in PAP leads to excessive membrane production, a hallmark of cancer, while an overabundance of PAP contributes to fat accumulation associated with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Furthermore, Carman’s research extended to identifying human lipin proteins as PAPs, providing critical insights into their regulation, enzymatic activity, and potential involvement in disease development.
The Pursuit of “Fine-Tuning” Lipid Metabolism
Carman’s ultimate goal is to develop strategies for precisely controlling PAP activity. “The ultimate goal of our work is to understand how to ‘fine-tune’ this enzyme’s activity,” he said. “By deciphering its genetic and molecular control, we aim to provide the foundational knowledge needed to develop new strategies for controlling lipid metabolism and combating these pervasive, lipid-based human diseases.” This research holds promise for innovative therapies targeting lipid-related illnesses.
A Legacy of Rigor and Devotion
Edward Dennis of the University of California, San Diego, highlighted Carman’s “seminal contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology” in his nomination letter, emphasizing how his work has “defined the details of phospholipid synthesis and numerous important signaling events in yeast.” Dennis also praised Carman’s “rigor and enthusiasm” and “outstanding devotion” as an associate editor of both the Journal of Biological Chemistry and the Journal of Lipid Research.
Carman is scheduled to present his research findings at the 2026 ASBMB Annual Meeting, focusing on the function and regulation of PAP and its potential as a target for developing new antifungal treatments.
