Christian Vaisse

Christian Vaisse, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in obesity genetics and molecular endocrinology. As Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded grants (R01DK106404, R01DK060540, P30DK098722, R01DK124769), his research explores how neuronal primary cilia and melanocortin receptors regulate energy homeostasis. He has also contributed to understanding genetic predispositions to obesity through CRISPR-based studies and genomic mapping of leptin-responsive neurons.

• Education:
  • MD, University of Paris XI (1983-88)
  • PhD, Molecular Endocrinology, University of Paris XI (1988-91)

Research Focus: Obesity genetics, melanocortin receptor pathways, cilia-mediated signaling, and translational studies on metabolic disorders. His work bridges molecular mechanisms (e.g., MC4R-ADCY3 complexes) with clinical implications, including therapeutic targets for obesity and diabetes.

Scientific Awards:

• ALFEDIAM/NOVO-NORDISK Post-doctoral research award (1995)
• Philippe Foundation Post-Doctoral Research Award (1996)
• INSERM-CR1 tenure (1998)
• American Diabetes Association-Career Development Award (2000)
• Greenberg Young Investigator Award in Cardiovascular Genetics

NIH Grants: Continuous NIH funding since 2002 for research on the melanocortin-4 receptor, obesity GWAS, and ciliopathies. Collaborative projects include contributions to the UCSF Nutrition Obesity Research Center (P30DK098722) and Diabetes Research Center (P30DK063720).