In this edition of our Alumni Spotlight series, we are proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of Professor Emeritus Garth L. Nicolson, a distinguished UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry alumnus whose career has left an indelible mark on the fields of cell biology, biochemistry, and cancer research. A graduate of UCLA’s Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry (B.S., ’65), Nicolson’s scientific journey has spanned over five decades, with groundbreaking contributions that have transformed our understanding of cellular membranes and the mechanisms behind cancer metastasis.
From Chemistry at UCLA to the Fluid-Mosaic Model
Nicolson’s academic career began at UCLA, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1965. In the rigorous environment of the UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, he laid the foundation for a career that would see him make pivotal contributions to theoretical and applied science.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Nicolson pursued a Ph.D. in Cell Biology and Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where he worked under the mentorship of renowned chemist Professor S.J. Singer. This collaboration led to one of the most iconic and influential scientific papers of the 20th century: The Fluid-Mosaic Model of the Structure of Cell Membranes (1972), published in Science. This groundbreaking paper, co-authored with Singer, proposed a new paradigm for understanding the structure and function of cell membranes, suggesting that the membrane is a dynamic, fluid structure with proteins embedded within a lipid bilayer. This model revolutionized cell biology and remains the textbook standard for cell membrane structure to this day.
Expanding the Horizons of Cellular Research
Following his time at UCSD, Nicolson’s career took him to the Salk Institute, where he became an Assistant Professor, further advancing his research on cell membranes. Over the years, Nicolson’s work evolved to encompass a broader range of topics, including cancer research, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis. His research in this area has contributed to a deeper understanding of how cancer cells spread through the body, a critical insight for developing therapeutic strategies to combat cancer.
Nicolson’s research interests also led him to explore the role of cellular membranes in chronic illnesses and cancer. This focus has guided much of his recent work at the Institute for Molecular Medicine, a nonprofit research institution he founded after retiring from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. His latest research on Membrane Lipid Replacement (MLR) has shown promise in addressing the cellular dysfunctions associated with chronic diseases, including cancer. Nicolson’s work with Gulf War veterans, studying the potential of MLR to treat chemically induced illnesses, exemplifies his commitment to translational research that can directly improve human health.
Scholarly Recognition and International Rankings
Nicolson’s academic contributions have earned him widespread recognition in the scientific community.
His work has been published in over 700 papers in scientific and medical journals, and he remains a leading figure in the fields of cell membranes, cancer metastasis and cellular and molecular biology. His contributions have been acknowledged in international scholarly rankings, where he ranks #1 in the field of Cell Membranes, #2 in Cancer Metastasis, and #13 in Tumor Progression. Notably, he has surpassed his former mentor, Professor Singer, in scholarly citations related to cell membrane research.
In the latest international scholar rankings from ScholarGPS, Nicolson’s expertise is recognized across multiple disciplines, with additional rankings in Cell and Molecular Biology (#53). His consistent top-tier standing in these fields speaks to the lasting impact of his research on the scientific community.
Reflecting on a Legacy
As Nicolson reflects on his illustrious career, he credits his formative years at UCLA for providing the solid foundation that propelled him toward his many accomplishments. Now, at 81, Nicolson continues to be active in research and publication, demonstrating that pursuing scientific discovery is a lifelong journey.
“Although I’ve retired from my position at M.D. Anderson, I’m still deeply involved in research, and my latest work on Membrane Lipid Replacement for chronic diseases and cancer keeps me as engaged as ever,” Nicolson says. “The training I received at UCLA was instrumental in shaping the scientist I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities it provided me.”
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.
