Anthony Comuzzie 
Scientist | Genetics and SNPRC
Phone: 210-258-9400
Summary
The primary work in my lab group is focused on obesity and diabetes and their related co- morbidities utilizing both human and non-human primate populations. Our human studies include large family based samples of Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives, as well as Mexican and Omani individuals. In addition, we have numerous studies utilizing the baboon colony maintained by the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Specifically our interest center around the genetics of adipose tissue function, the effects of gene by diet interactions, as well as the genetics of appetite regulation and glucose metabolism. Our goal in these efforts is to identify genes involved in mediating an individuals risk for these common metabolic diseases and to understand how these genetic variants interact with diet and other environmental factors to exert their effects. In addition, we are working to further the utility of the baboon as a model for metabolic disease research through an ongoing metabolic profiling initiative as well as continued development and expansion of techniques for the assessment of metabolic and physiological parameters related to obesity and diabetes. Part of this effort is currently focused on the establishment of a diet induced model of obesity in baboons by use of a diet high in fat and simple carbohydrates designed to mimic the typical American diet. We have extensive collaborations with both academic and commercial investigators both in the US and abroad.
Education
Doctoral Degree: Ph.D. Biological Anthropology (1993)
The University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
Dissertation: Genomic, genetic and morphological variation in a sample of modern Evenki, and their relationship to other indigenous Siberian populations
Master's Degree: M.A. Anthropology (1987)
Texas A&M University College Station, TX
Bachelor's Degree B.S. Biology
Texas A&M University College Station, TX
Postdoctoral Work
1993-1995 Statistical Genetic analysis of complex phenotypes(Supervisors: John Blangero and Jean MacCluer)Department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio, TX
Research Focus
Genetics of complex phenotypes in human and non-human primates specifically relating to adipose tissue function, lipid and glucose metabolism, and gene by diet interactions.
Awards and Honors
1987 Recipient of a Distinguished Graduate-assistant Teaching Award at the University level. Presented by the Association of Former Students and the Graduate College of Texas A&M University
1991 Finalist for the Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, Graduate College, University of Kansas
1992 Phi Kappa Phi
1993-1996 National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health
2000-2002 Secretary-Treasurer, American Association of Anthropological Genetics.
2001-2003 Member of the Obesity Advisory Committee for the Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism of the American Heart Association.
2002 Member, National Institutes of Health Special Emphasis Panel NHLB -Proteomics Initiative - BAA-HL-02-04)
2002 Member, National Institute of Medicine External Review Panel for report entitled - "Weight Management: State of the Science and Opportunities for Military Programs".
2002 Temporary member, NIH Nutrition Study Section (2002)
2003 Inaugural speaker for the Harry Crate Lecture Series, Schreiner University 2003 Member, Special Emphasis panel NIDDK Program Project Reviews)
2003-2006 Member of the program committee of the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO).
2003-2007 Member of the editorial board of Obesity Research.
2004 Member, Special Emphasis panel NIDDK (Program Project Reviews)
2004 Member, Special Emphasis panel NIMH (RFA -Translational Research in Bipolar Disease)
2004 Member, Special Emphasis panel NIDDK (Ancillary Studies to the Look AHEAD Program) 2005 Member, Special Emphasis Panel NIDDK Program Project Reviews-Adrenergic Receptors)
2005 Member, Special Emphasis Panel NIDDK (Ancillary Studies to the Look AHEAD Program) 2005 Member, Special Emphasis Panel NIDDK (Program Project Review -Diogens)
2005-2007 Member of the program committee of the American Diabetes Association.
2006-present Member of the editorial board of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics
2007 Member, Special Emphasis Panel NIDDK (Program Project Review)
2007-2008 Member, Special Emphasis Panel NIH Loan Repayment Program
2008 Ad hoc Member, NIH Study Section (Genetics of Human Disease)
Publications
A genome-wide search for linkage to chronic kidney disease in a community-based sample: the SAFHS. 2008 Apr 28 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 18443212.
Arar NH, Voruganti VS, Nath SD, Thameem F, Bauer R, Cole SA, Blangero J, Maccluer JW, Comuzzie AG, Abboud HE.
Nephrol Dial Transplant 2008
Appetite enhancement and weight gain by peripheral administration of TrkB agonists in non-human primates. PMID: 18382675.
Lin JC, Tsao D, Barras P, Bastarrachea RA, Boyd B, Chou J, Rosete R, Long H, Forgie A, Abdiche Y, Dilley J, Stratton J, Garcia C, Sloane DL, Comuzzie AG, Rosenthal A.
PLoS ONE 3 (4): e1900, 2008
