Throughout his nearly four-decade career, groundbreaking physician-scientist and researcher Jonathan Stamler has searched for solutions to complex medical problems, advanced understanding of human health and improved patients’ lives through a range of discoveries, devices and new treatments.
In recognition of his accomplishments and enduring impact, Stamler—the Robert S. and Sylvia K. Reitman Family Foundation Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Innovation at the School of Medicine and president of the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals Health System—will be honored as a Distinguished University Professor at Case Western Reserve University.
Among Stamler’s discoveries is protein S-nitrosylation—a biochemical process that can regulate cell signaling pathways, protein functions, gene expression and enzyme activity. Dysregulation of protein S-nitrosylation has been implicated in many diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation and cancer.
“Protein S-nitrosylation represents a paradigm shift in our thinking about mechanisms by which nitric oxide elicits its physiological effects … Stamler’s discoveries benefit humankind in their therapeutic applications,” wrote Lou Ignarro, Nobel Laureate and professor emeritus of pharmacology at the UCLA School of Medicine, in a letter nominating Stamler for the distinguished professorship.
Added Ignarro, “As a prominent scientist myself … I must confess that I’ve never seen as outstanding a CV as that of Dr. Stamler.”
Many of Stamler’s discoveries have a direct application to improving the understanding of pathophysiology and disease. For example, Stamler’s work established that hemoglobin in red blood cells not only carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to support cellular respiration, but also carries a third gas, nitric oxide, which is critical for autoregulation of blood flow through tissue microcapillaries. His findings have also shown that gut bacteria can use nitric oxide to change how bodies work, affecting growth and development.
“I am impressed by his vision and creativity and by his seemingly boundless energy,” wrote Michael Welsh, an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, in his nomination letter. “His discoveries have large implications for understanding fundamental biology and for insight and therapy of disease. He is an international leader in medicine.”
With a reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship, Stamler has founded nine biotech ventures, alongside institutes, medical societies and investment funds. His scholarly output is equally impressive, with nearly 400 manuscripts authored or co-authored, along with 225 patents—work that has resulted in the development of two U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs and multiple medical and wearable technologies by companies under his guidance.
For the Distinguished University Professorship, multiple nominators cited Stamler’s natural leadership and ability to inspire and energize others, particularly emerging scientists and researchers.
“Throughout my career, I’ve strived to push the boundaries of knowledge, to challenge conventional thinking, and ultimately, to make a lasting difference. It’s a profound honor to be recognized as a Distinguished University Professor at Case Western Reserve,” said Stamler. “I look forward to continuing my journey of exploration and discovery.”