Ronald Vale studies the molecular motor proteins kinesin and dynein, which power the movement of membranes and chromosomes along microtubules inside cells, and explores the role of the cytoskeleton in cell division and cell shape. In addition, Vale and his team employ biophysical and cell biological approaches to dissect the mechanism of T cell signaling and the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease.
Spruston, who leads a lab at Janelia exploring the role of the hippocampus in learning and memory, will serve as the third executive director of the Ashburn, Virginia-based biomedical research center. Vale shares $1.2 million award for discovery of molecular motor proteins. Six HHMI scientists have been elected to membership in the Institute of Medicine. HHMI investigator Ronald D. Vale of UCSF will share the 2012 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award.