Dallas -- July 25, 2006 -- Dr. Russell DeBose-Boyd, assistant professor of molecular genetics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been named a Distinguished Young Scholar in Medical Research by the Los Angeles-based W.M. Keck Foundation.
The award of up to $1 million over five years will support the researcher's work on the enzymes that regulate and control cholesterol production, studies that may shed light on the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
"I'm honored to be included among such a distinguished group of young investigators," said Dr. DeBose-Boyd, one of five Keck Young Scholar winners nationwide this year. "This generous award will allow my lab to continue our efforts to understand the enzyme HMG CoA reductase, a key player in cholesterol synthesis and the target of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.
"I'm grateful to the W.M. Keck Foundation for this support that allows young researchers to explore novel projects and take on new challenges in high-risk areas that could lead to important medical breakthroughs," he said.
A native of Boswell, Okla., Dr. DeBose-Boyd received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and his doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Before joining the faculty of UT Southwestern as an instructor in 2001, he was a postdoctoral fellow in the molecular genetics laboratory of two of UT Southwestern's four Nobel laureates, Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Joseph Goldstein. As a young faculty member at UT Southwestern Dr. DeBose-Boyd's early research was supported by the Perot Foundation.
Dr. DeBose-Boyd said being named a Keck Young Scholar is a reflection of the scientific environment in the Department of Molecular Genetics at UT Southwestern in general.
"This institution encourages young scientists, and provides tremendously talented mentors. I wouldn't be here if it w
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Contact: Amanda Siegfried
amanda.siegfried@utsouthwestern.edu
214-648-3404
UT Southwestern Medical Center
25-Jul-2006