Dean R. Tolan

Dean R. Tolan is a Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Boston University. His research focuses on the biochemical and genetic mechanisms underlying sugar metabolism, particularly the glycolytic enzyme aldolase and its role in hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). He leads a laboratory investigating aldolase structure-function relationships, moonlighting functions in cell motility, and the pathophysiology of HFI using mouse models. His work integrates structural biology (X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy), genetic analysis, and metabolomics.

Key research themes include: (1) Structural basis of aldolase isoforms' catalytic differences; (2) Genetic defects causing HFI and their clinical manifestations; (3) Evolutionary adaptation of aldolase moonlighting roles. He teaches core biochemistry courses (BI108, BB421/422, MB722).

Notable achievements include pioneering studies on aldolase B knockout mice mimicking human HFI, and discoveries linking fructose metabolism to metabolic syndrome, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. His lab collaborates internationally on projects funded by NIH and other agencies.