DALLAS – June 16, 2025 – The 2025 Beth Levine, M.D. Prize in Autophagy Research has been awarded to Italian medical geneticist Andrea Ballabio, M.D., celebrated for his remarkable work in understanding the mechanisms behind genetic diseases.
The prize, valued at $20,000, is conferred biennially by UT Southwestern Medical Center to honor outstanding scientists in the field of autophagy. This award commemorates the late Dr. Levine, the former Director of UT Southwestern’s Center for Autophagy Research.
Joan Conaway, Ph.D., Vice Provost and Dean of Basic Research at UT Southwestern, praised Dr. Ballabio’s contributions, stating, “Dr. Ballabio’s research has advanced our understanding of the role of lysosomes, which are organelles that serve as a waste disposal system for cells and a regulator of cell metabolism.”
Dr. Andrea Ballabio is recognized globally for his foundational work. He is not only the founder and former director of the Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) in Italy but also serves as a Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Naples “Federico II.” Furthermore, he has held a position as a Visiting Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and is the co-founder and scientific adviser of Casma Therapeutics, where Dr. Levine was also a co-founder.
The focus of research in the Ballabio Lab is on lysosomes and their essential role in regulating cell metabolism, both in health and disease. Traditionally, lysosomes were viewed as static compartments dedicated to the degradation and recycling of biomolecules such as proteins and lipids.
Dr. Ballabio and his team have challenged this conventional understanding, illustrating that the lysosome operates as a dynamic platform that responds to the metabolic needs of the cell.
Since 2009, Dr. Ballabio has led investigative efforts demonstrating that a key protein called Transcription Factor EB (TFEB) acts as a master transcriptional regulator of both lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. TFEB plays a critical role in governing the function of beclin 1, the first autophagy gene identified in mammals by Dr. Levine himself.
Subsequent findings showed that TFEB is regulated by another important protein known as mTORC1, which serves as a central hub of metabolic regulation. Dr. Ballabio discovered that TFEB can also modulate mTORC1 activity, indicating a feedback loop between these two crucial regulatory elements.
These findings have transformed the understanding of lysosomes from mere degradation centers to dynamic entities that integrate signals to influence cellular metabolism based on environmental stimuli. This regulatory mechanism is vital, as disturbances can lead to various health issues, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
In a statement regarding his recognition, Dr. Ballabio expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am truly honored to receive this prize dedicated to Beth, an amazing scientist and a wonderful colleague.”
Dr. Ballabio’s academic journey began with a medical degree from the University of Naples “Federico II,” where he also completed a pediatric residency. He further advanced his expertise through postdoctoral training at esteemed institutions such as Guy’s Hospital in London and Baylor College of Medicine.
He joined the Baylor faculty in 1989 and contributed significantly as the co-director of the Human Genome Center until returning to Italy in 1994 to establish TIGEM, which he directed until recently.
With over 400 published papers to his credit, Dr. Ballabio stands out as the only scientist in Italy to have received the Advanced Investigator Award from the European Research Council three times. He has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine in 2016. His influence extended beyond the lab, as evidenced by his role as a torchbearer at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy.
The Beth Levine, M.D. Prize in Autophagy Research was established in 2023 to honor Dr. Levine’s legacy, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to science. As a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, her work showcased the critical role of autophagy in maintaining human health and its implications in various diseases.
Dr. Levine made a mark by discovering the first mammalian autophagy gene, beclin 1, solidifying her status as a pioneering figure in the field.
Generous donations from a diverse group of researchers, including Nobel Laureates and members of various esteemed academies, contributed to the endowment supporting the Beth Levine, M.D. Prize. The enduring legacy of Dr. Levine will be upheld through this initiative, ensuring that her discoveries continue to inspire future generations of scientists.
Dr. Conaway holds the Cecil H. Green Distinguished Chair in Cellular and Molecular Biology, further highlighting the commitment of UT Southwestern to advancing biomedical research.
As one of the leading academic medical centers in the United States, UT Southwestern is dedicated to merging innovative research with exceptional clinical care and education, having seen its faculty receive six Nobel Prizes along with numerous esteemed memberships in prestigious scientific organizations.
With a full-time faculty exceeding 3,200 professionals, UT Southwestern remains at the forefront of medical advancements, committed to translating research into clinical applications. The institution serves a vast patient population, providing care across more than 80 specialties, demonstrating the crucial role it plays in public health.
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