Professor Christian Metallo has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to advancing science by being named the next holder of the Daniel and Martina Lewis Chair. Professor Geoffrey Wahl previously held this chair position.

Metallo, who is part of Salk’s Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, studies metabolism—how the constant breakdown of energy within cells works and, importantly, doesn’t work. By carefully studying healthy metabolic pathways, disease-causing pathways become clear, such as those that drive cancer progression and vision loss. His research advances the field of metabolism and provides a foundation for the development of metabolism-related therapeutics. Most recently, Metallo discovered that altered amino acid metabolism significantly contributes to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that is common in people with diabetes. The discovery opens new possibilities for identifying people most at risk for the condition, as well as potential treatment options.