Salk Institute Molecular Biologists Gerald Shadel and Tatyana Sharpee Elected as 2025 AAAS Fellows for Lifelong Achievement

Gerald Shadel and Tatyana Sharpee of the Salk Institute have been elected 2025 AAAS Fellows for their work in mitochondrial DNA and brain circuitry.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Salk Institute

Prestigious Lifetime Appointment for Foundational Research Leaders

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has officially inducted Salk Institute professors Gerald Shadel and Tatyana Sharpee into its 2025 class of Fellows. This appointment serves as a significant milestone, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific rigor and a commitment to advancing the social impact of their work. According to Salk President Gerald Joyce, the election of these two faculty members highlights the institute's dedication to foundational research that addresses the inner workings of the human body and mind. As Fellows, Shadel and Sharpee are now tasked with serving as global ambassadors for their respective fields, joining nearly 500 other innovators selected in this year's international cohort.

Unraveling Mitochondrial Influence on Systemic Inflammation

Gerald Shadel, who holds the Audrey Geisel Chair in Biomedical Science, has spent decades investigating the role of mitochondria beyond their traditional description as cellular powerhouses. His research has successfully linked mitochondrial dysfunction to the progression of cancer, degenerative diseases, and the natural aging process. One of Shadel’s most transformative recent findings involves the discovery that mitochondrial DNA can leak into the cellular environment and trigger inflammatory responses. According to the research, this mechanism could be a primary driver for autoimmune conditions like lupus, opening new doors for the development of anti-inflammatory therapies that target the root cause of age-related pathology.

Strategic Funding and Collaborative Aging Initiatives

The recognition of Shadel’s work comes alongside significant institutional momentum, including his leadership in major grant-funded projects. He currently co-directs the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research and has played a central role in securing nearly $32 million in funding from the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health. These resources are currently being deployed to study how aging serves as a critical risk factor for both Alzheimer’s disease and liver cancer. By collaborating with regional partners like UC San Diego and Sanford Burnham Prebys, Shadel is helping to establish Southern California as a primary hub for longitudinal studies on human longe...