Alan Saghatelian

Alan Saghatelian is a Professor and holds the Dr. Frederik Paulsen Chair at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he leads the Clayton Foundation Laboratory for Peptide Biology. His research focuses on the discovery and characterization of natural small molecules, particularly metabolites and peptides, using advanced mass spectrometry techniques.

Dr. Saghatelian received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The Scripps Research Institute. He completed his postdoctoral training as a Merck Fellow with the Life Sciences Research Foundation.

His research program distinguishes itself through its focus on biology related to metabolites and peptides, which he refers to as natural small molecules. These molecules have vital roles in human physiology and disease but have been historically understudied due to technical challenges in their detection. Saghatelian's lab has made significant discoveries, including the identification of FAHFAs (fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids), a novel class of lipids with anti-inflammatory properties that can reverse diabetes symptoms in mice. His team has also discovered thousands of human genes encoding microproteins that could advance our understanding of molecular pathways controlling diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity.

Dr. Saghatelian's work spans multiple disease areas, with significant contributions to diabetes research, cancer biology, neurodegenerative diseases, and immunological disorders. His laboratory collaborates extensively with other researchers at Salk to understand the role of peptides and metabolites across various biological contexts.

• Mark Foundation for Cancer Research Endeavor Award (2022)
• American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow (2020)
• Sloan Foundation Fellow (2011)
• Searle Scholars Program Award (2008)
• New Innovator Award, National Institutes of Health (2007)
• Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award in Biomedical Sciences (2005)

Dr. Saghatelian's laboratory has been highly productive, with numerous publications in top-tier journals. His recent work has focused on microprotein discovery, lipid signaling molecules like FAHFAs, and the application of advanced proteomics and metabolomics techniques to understand disease mechanisms. His research program demonstrates a strong trajectory of innovation, moving from fundamental discoveries of new biological molecules to potential therapeutic applications.

The Saghatelian Lab develops and applies novel mass spectrometry strategies to measure changes in small molecules that are often overlooked by traditional biological methods focusing on DNA, RNA, and proteins. The lab's work has revealed previously unknown aspects of human biology, including novel signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms mediated by small molecules.