The research of Herbert Fromm, distinguished professor of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, has impacted the field of enzymology.

Fromm highlighted some of his research, spanning his 50-year career, in a lecture Monday. The lecture was targeted toward graduate students and faculty.

Fromm described his research as “focused on enzymes and how they act as catalysts, and how to regulate them.” He said he has contucted research on enzymes found in the brain and liver and has learned how these enzymes are regulated. Fromm said with further investigation researchers could find out how to inhibit the enzyme that causes the deterioration of brain cells.

He has also worked with fructose-1,6 biphosphate, an enzyme that regulates blood sugar levels. Fromm explained that researchers are finding ways to inhibit this enzyme, which could “alleviate type 2 diabetes.”

“Professor Fromm has an international reputation within the field of enzymology,” said Jeff Iles, professor and chair of the department of horticulture. “The National Institute of Health funded his research for 40 years. His work impacts and applies to so many areas.”

For the institute to have enough confidence to fund research for such an amount of time is an accomplishment, Iles said. He said a distinguished professor is not a title given to many faculty members — it is a great honor.

Fromm was inspired to be involved in enzymology by Fritz Lipmann, the 1950 Nobel Prize winner who discovered an important enzyme in the process of metabolism. He said Lipmann’s research made him realize working with enzymes was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

“I was just awe-struck by the work he was doing,” Fromm said.

Fromm grew up in the Bronx, attended Michigan State University and later continued his education at Chicago’s Loyola Medical School, according to his ISU faculty profile.

Fromm received various forms of recognition throughout his career, including a career development award granted by the National Institute of Health.

In 1966 Fromm accepted a position in the biochemistry and biophysics department at Iowa State. The department was founded not long before his arrival at Iowa State.

After more than 50 years of professorial work and research, Fromm is planning to retire in February 2009.