Nutrition and Metabolism Graduate Program

    College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

    UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON UW-MADISON

    James Ntambi

    Steenbock Professor of Nutritional Sciences

    Mechanisms of fat cell differentiation; regulation of gene expression by dietary and hormonal factors

    jmntambi@wisc.edu

    Website

    415B HF DeLuca Biochemistry Laboratories

    Type:
    Department: ,
    • Steenbock Professor of Nutritional Sciences
    • Professor of Biochemistry
    • B.S. 1975, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda
    • Msc. 1978, Makerere University Kampala Uganda
    • Ph.D. 1985, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

    The general theme of my research is to understand the genetic regulation of metabolism, adipocyte biology and differentiation.  I am specifically interested in the genetic basis of obesity, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes and how dietary factors, hormones and environmental factors influence these disease states.  In particular, I study the regulation of the mammalian stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) genes that encode an enzyme involved in biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids.  WE are using these genes as a model to understand nutrient gene interactions.  We have recently genetically engineered mice that are born without the stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene-1 and found that these mice resist obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other aspects of the metabolic syndrome.

    I am also interested in conducting research on obesity and diabetes and other non-communicable metabolic diseases in developing countries.  I provide advice on how to prevent or delay the progression of metabolic diseases through nutritional interventions.

    • Named the 2024 recipient of the Global Research & Outreach (GRO) Award from UW CALS Global
    • Named Fellow of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) – 2023
    • Re-elected Council Member of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) – 2021
    • Appointed Council Member of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) – 2018
    • Wisconsin Without Borders Peter Bosscher Award – 2016
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