Jump to content

Hector DeLuca

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hector Floyd DeLuca
BornApril 5, 1930
Pueblo, Colorado
EducationUniversity of Colorado, B.A.; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D.
Known forResearch on Vitamin D
AwardsBolton S. Corson Medal of the Franklin Institute
Scientific career
InstitutionsUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison


Hector Floyd DeLuca, born in Pueblo, Colorado in 1930, is a University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW-Madison) emeritus professor and former chairman of the university's biochemistry department.[1] DeLuca is well known for his research involving Vitamin D, from which several pharmaceutical drugs are derived, including those to treat conditions such as kidney failure, osteoporosis, and psoriasis.[2][3]

DeLuca trained almost 160 graduate students[4] and has nearly 2000 patents to his name.[5] Licensing of his technology, through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), has generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue for the university.[4]

In addition, DeLuca founded three biotechnology companies: Deltanoid Pharmaceuticals, Bone Care International Inc, and Tetrionics.[6]

He was elected to the United States National Academy of Sciences in 1979.[7] He was awarded the Bolton S. Corson Medal of the Franklin Institute in 1985.[8] Three buildings on the Wisconsin campus, including the DeLuca Biochemistry Building,[9] were named in his honor in 2014.[10]

Early life and education

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Hector F. DeLuca was born in Pueblo, Colorado, in 1930, and grew up on a vegetable farm outside the city. This rural upbringing, combined with the industrial backdrop of Pueblo at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, shaped his early interest in science and exploration.[3]

Education

[edit]

DeLuca pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado, where he majored in chemistry and graduated in 1951. He later joined the UW–Madison for graduate studies, working under renowned biochemist Harry Steenbock. As a graduate student, DeLuca contributed to foundational research in vitamins and nutrition. He earned his MS in 1953 and his PhD in 1955,[11] His doctoral dissertation is entitled “The Effect of Vitamin D on Alkaline Phosphatase in the Rachitic Rat”.[12] Upon Steenbock's retirement in 1955, DeLuca took over the lab, continuing his mentor’s pioneering work.[3]

Career

[edit]
Professor of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison

DeLuca’s scientific career is distinguished by his research on the metabolism and mechanism of action of vitamins, particularly Vitamin D. His work unveiled the hormonal roles of Vitamin D, significantly enhancing the understanding of its impact on human health.[3] His research established the UW-Madison as a global hub for Vitamin D studies, contributing to advancements in endocrinology, nutrition, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Key discoveries

[edit]

DeLuca’s work focused on unraveling the complex processes of Vitamin D metabolism, leading to the identification of two critical metabolites:

  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3): Isolated by DeLuca in 1968, this metabolite is produced in the liver and serves as the major circulating form of Vitamin D. Its discovery was pivotal in understanding how the body processes Vitamin D obtained from diet or sunlight.[13]
  • 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3): DeLuca further identified this metabolite as the active hormonal form of Vitamin D, produced in the kidneys. This compound regulates calcium and phosphate metabolism, ensuring proper bone formation and maintenance.[3]

Pharmaceutical innovations

[edit]

Based on his discoveries, DeLuca spearheaded the development of synthetic Vitamin D analogs. These compounds have been instrumental in creating treatments for various medical conditions, including:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease: Addressing secondary hyperparathyroidism through Vitamin D-based therapies, improving calcium regulation in patients with impaired kidney function[14]
  • Osteoporosis: Enhancing bone density and reducing fracture risk, particularly in postmenopausal women and aging populations[14]
  • Psoriasis: Developing topical therapies using Vitamin D analogs to reduce inflammation and promote skin health[3]

Entrepreneurship

[edit]

DeLuca founded three pharmaceutical companies: Deltanoid Pharmaceuticals, Bone Care International Inc, and Tetrionics.[6]

In 2001, DeLuca founded Deltanoid Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing therapies derived from Vitamin D research. Deltanoid focused on translating laboratory findings into clinical applications, particularly for rare and complex diseases. This venture highlights DeLuca’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic discovery and real-world medical solutions.[3] Deltanoid Pharmaceuticals operated from 2001-2018. [citation needed]

DeLuca founded the company Bone Care International Inc, a maker of drugs to treat dialysis patients in 1994 [citation needed]. The drug Doxercalciferol/Hectorol, a synthetic vitamin D pro-hormone for treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism, was produced and launched by Bone Care International in 1999. Bone Care International was sold to Genzyme in 2005.[15]

DeLuca founded Tetrionics in 1989, later bought by Sigma-Aldrich in 2004.[16] Tetrionics manufactured pharmaceutical ingredients, including Paricalcitol (trade name Zemplar(™)), which is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Academic and professional roles

[edit]

DeLuca served as the chairman of the Biochemistry Department at UW-Madison for 30 years. Under his leadership, the department became a global center for vitamin and hormone research. He fostered a culture of excellence, attracting top-tier faculty and students while ensuring the department remained at the forefront of scientific innovation.[3]

Mentorship and training

[edit]

One of DeLuca’s most notable contributions to academia is his mentorship of over 160 graduate students. Many of his mentees have gone on to achieve prominence in academia, industry, and government, continuing the legacy of groundbreaking research initiated under his guidance. DeLuca emphasized a rigorous yet supportive approach to mentoring, inspiring the next generation of scientists.[4]

Research Funding and Impact

[edit]

DeLuca’s collaborations with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) significantly advanced the university’s research capabilities. His discoveries and the resulting patents generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue. This funding has supported countless research projects, new facilities, and scholarships, strengthening UW-Madison’s reputation as a leading research institution.[5]

Controversies

[edit]

DeLuca’s career has not been without challenges. A notable controversy he was involved in centered around patent disputes related to his discoveries of Vitamin D metabolites. DeLuca’s work (along with his research partner, Dr. Heinrich K. Schnoes) in isolating and identifying 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and synthesizing 1-alpha-HCC led to a series of patents filed through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), including patents for the manufacturing process of 1-alpha-HCC and its medical applications.

These patents became the subject of a legal dispute with a competing biochemistry company, the Research Institute of Medicine and Chemistry (RIMAC)[17] with a court case brought by RIMAC against WARF, alleging that RIMAC scientists had been the first to successfully synthesize 1-alpha-HCC and DeLuca’s lab had information gained from a paper sent to them for peer review by RIMAC. The case was settled out of court in 1987 with WARF paying an unknown sum, and RIMAC relinquishing patent rights.[17] Following this case, UW-Madison Chancellor Donna Shalala convened an investigative committee, chaired by retired Senior Federal Judge John Reynolds. After a four-day hearing in 1989, the committee concluded that no scientific misconduct had occurred. The issue was put to rest in 1995, when the United States’ Office of Special Investigations later concluded that the hearing was thorough and unbiased.[17]

Awards and recognition

[edit]

DeLuca has received numerous prestigious awards and accolades throughout his career, recognizing his groundbreaking research, leadership, and contributions to science and medicine. His achievements have earned him national and international acclaim.

Here are some of the awards and recognition received by Professor DeLuca. These awards and more can be found at the Hector DeLuca Lab website.[8]

  • Hector F. DeLuca Scientific achievement award (2015) – celebrates significant scientific contributions advancing biohealth and revolutionizing healthcare, in honor of Dr. Hector F. DeLuca's legacy[18]
  • CALS Distinguished Service Award (UW - Madison, 2007) – Celebrating his legacy as an alumnus and a pioneer in biochemistry[19]
  • Hilldale Award in the Physical Sciences (UW - Madison, 1993) – Celebrating his exceptional teaching and research achievements[20]
  • Bolton S. Corson Medal (Franklin Institute, 1985) – For his exceptional contributions to biochemistry and Vitamin D research[21]
  • National Academy of Sciences (1979) – Elected as a member in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research[22]
  • American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1978) – elected as a member in recognition of excellence in the sciences, and commitment to the ideals of the Academy[23]


References

[edit]
  1. ^ Emeritus page for Hector DeLuca
  2. ^ Holick MF, Schnoes HK, DeLuca HF (April 1971). "Identification of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D3 metabolically active in the intestine". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 68 (4): 803–4. Bibcode:1971PNAS...68..803H. doi:10.1073/pnas.68.4.803. PMC 389047. PMID 4323790.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Kresge N, Simoni RD, Hill RL (15 December 2006). "A half-century of vitamin D: the work of Hector F. DeLuca". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 281 (50): e41. doi:10.1016/S0021-9258(20)71895-8.
  4. ^ a b c Karen Rivedal (12 February 2005). "UW star scientist gives up position Hector DeLuca to step down as chairman of the biochemistry department". Wisconsin State Journal. Madison.com. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  5. ^ a b "Hector DeLuca - Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation". WARF. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
  6. ^ a b Tenenbaum, David (6 July 2011). "Innovation marks UW-Madison contribution to vitamins, drugs, medical supplies". University of Wisconsin - Madison. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  7. ^ "Hector DeLuca". Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  8. ^ a b "Hector DeLuca Lab". University of Wisconsin–Madison. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  9. ^ Hector F. DeLuca Biochemical Sciences Complex
  10. ^ Dedication Ceremony of the Hector F. Deluca Biochemical Sciences Complex
  11. ^ "Vitamin D Researchers". Alumni Park. Wisconsin Alumni Association. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  12. ^ DeLuca, Hector (1955). The Effect of Vitamin D on Alkaline Phosphatase in the Rachitic Rat (Dissertation). University of Wisconsin - Madison.
  13. ^ Blunt, J.W.; DeLuca, H.F.; Schnoes, H.K. (October 1968). "25-hydroxycholecalciferol. A biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3". Biochemistry. 7 (10). doi:10.1021/bi00850a001. PMID 4300699.
  14. ^ a b DeLuca, Hector (December 2004). "Overview of general physiologic features and functions of Vitamin D". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 80 (6). doi:10.1093/ajcn/80.6.1689S.
  15. ^ Quinn, Dan; Hayden, Brian (March 2005). "Bone Care International: Genzyme and Bone Care International Announce Merger Agreement". WisBusiness.
  16. ^ McCoy, Michael (3 April 2006). "Several small pharmaceutical chemical makers credit the region for their success". No. 14. Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  17. ^ a b c Kaczmarek, Sarah; Cohen, William; Grassley, Charles. "Reassignment of Two NIH Employees". Government Accountability Office (GAO). Office of Public Affairs. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  18. ^ "Award Winner". BioForward Wisconsin. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  19. ^ "CALS to honor biochemist Hector DeLuca and Dean Emeritus Leo Walsh". University of Wisconsin - Madison. CALS News. 5 October 2007. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  20. ^ "Hilldale Awards - Recipients". Office of the Secretary of the Faculty. University of Wisconsin - Madison. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  21. ^ "Hector F. DeLuca". The Franklin Institute. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  22. ^ "Hector F. DeLuca". National Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 3 March 2025.
  23. ^ "Dr. Hector Floyd DeLuca". American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 3 March 2025.


Flag of United StatesScientist icon

This article about an American biochemist is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hector_DeLuca&oldid=1281345469"