Welcome to The Cluntun Lab
About the lab
The Cluntun Lab is interested in the fundamental biological question of how metabolism drives cellular decisions. As a model for metabolic regulation, we study the mechanisms by which metabolites govern cellular behavior, impacting both physiological processes and pathological outcomes. Metabolites do not act in isolation, as their roles often intersect with signaling pathways, gene expression, and protein activity. Among these, lactate has emerged as a central focus of our research. Using a combination of molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches, we aim to uncover how lactate metabolism influences heart function, particularly through its role as a fuel and a regulator of key cellular processes, including lactoylation. By exploring these mechanisms, we strive to understand how metabolic dysregulation contributes to cardiac disease and to identify new therapeutic targets.
About the PI
Dr. Ahmad A. Cluntun’s scientific career has focused on understanding how metabolic pathways drive the development and progression of disease, including cancer and heart disease, the two leading causes of mortality globally. To tackle this interdisciplinary challenge, he has built expertise in biochemistry, genetics, mitochondrial biology, metabolism, and mass spectrometry. His research in cancer metabolism began during his Ph.D. at Cornell University under Dr. Jason Locasale, where he discovered a direct link between glycolytic flux and histone acylation, revealing a novel metabolic advantage of the Warburg effect in colon cancer cells (Cancer Metab, 2015). Following Dr. Locasale's relocation to Duke University, Dr. Cluntun joined Dr. Richard Cerione's lab and investigated glutaminase isoenzymes (GLS1 and GLS2) in breast cancer, revealing a mechanistic reason for the limitations of GLS1 inhibitor clinical trials (Cell Reports, 2017). As his PhD progressed, Dr. Cluntun became intrigued by how metabolism affected terminally differentiated cells, with the heart providing a stark contrast to cancer. While metabolic shifts were recognized as a hallmark of cancer, they were still viewed as a mere consequence of disease in cardiac research.
Dr. Cluntun transitioned to cardiac research, recognizing key metabolic parallels between cancer and heart disease. As an NHLBI K99/R00 postdoctoral fellow at the University of Utah, he was co-mentored by HHMI investigator Dr. Jared Rutter and cardiologist Dr. Stavros Drakos. There he facilitated a unique collaboration that bridged basic science and clinical research, initiated an ambitious project that yielded three first-author publications in six years, despite the challenges of a global pandemic. Through this experience, Dr. Cluntun came to see collaborations, not as a luxury, but as an essential component of modern and impactful scientific research. His studies demonstrated that loss of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) drives cardiac hypertrophy and failure, while blocking lactate export protects the heart from both hypertrophy (Cell Metab, 2021) and ischemia-reperfusion injury (JCI Insight, 2024). He also uncovered a novel mitochondrial lactate oxidation pathway in cardiomyocytes, redefining how the heart adapts to metabolic stress (bioRxiv, 2024). For these contributions, he received the Eveline Bruenger Award for postdoctoral excellence at the University of Utah.
Now, as an assistant professor at Rutgers University, Dr. Cluntun leads a lab dedicated to exploring the intersection of metabolism and histone modifications, with a broad interest in understanding how lactate metabolism influences cellular decisions in the heart. His primary appointment in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provides his lab access to cutting-edge research facilities and collaborative networks. His secondary appointments within the divisions of Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Metabolism-home of the metabolomics core-as well as Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension, offer the lab clinical exposure, patient samples, and bench-to-bed collaboration opportunities. Dr. Cluntun’s publications can be accessed here: Google Scholar.
Ahmad A. Cluntun, PhD
Mentoring Philosophy
Dr. Cluntun’s ultimate goal as a mentor is to empower each trainee with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed as independent, impactful scientists. Drawing from his unique background in healthcare and research experience in both large and small lab environments, he brings a practical and adaptive approach to mentorship. He expects trainees to actively engage with their projects, contribute thoughtfully to lab discussions, and approach challenges with curiosity and resilience. Recognizing the unique strengths, aspirations, and growth areas that each trainee brings, Dr. Cluntun tailors his guidance to nurture these qualities and help them realize their full potential. Rather than cultivating a lab of “mini-mes,” he seeks to unlock each trainee’s individual talents through personalized mentorship. Dr. Cluntun prioritizes open and transparent communication, meeting regularly with each trainee to provide structured feedback, discuss progress and goals, and address challenges. This approach fosters a collaborative, responsive environment where trainees feel encouraged to ask questions and share insights freely. Professional and career development are cornerstones of the lab’s culture; Dr. Cluntun works closely with each trainee to design individualized development plans that focus on skill-building, networking, and project ownership. Committed to preparing each trainee for a successful career in academia, industry, or beyond, he equips them with scientific expertise and the tools needed to navigate their future careers with confidence and independence.
Diversity Statement
The Cluntun Lab is dedicated to fostering a research environment enriched by diverse backgrounds and perspectives, with a focus on empowering scientists from traditionally underrepresented regions and backgrounds. Recognizing the additional hurdles faced by individuals from areas where research resources are limited, Dr. Cluntun, who has personally navigated the challenges of being an international student—including adapting to unfamiliar academic structures, balancing cultural and religious commitments with research demands, and managing the distance from family—understands the unique barriers that minority and international trainees often encounter. In his lab, he prioritizes tailored mentorship, professional development, and a supportive community that empowers trainees, particularly those from refugee, Muslim, and Arab backgrounds, to thrive. By reducing these barriers, the Cluntun Lab ensures that each trainee can overcome academic and cultural challenges, building a foundation for impactful scientific careers. Dr. Cluntun firmly believes that diversity drives scientific innovation by bringing fresh perspectives to complex research questions, and he is committed to equipping each trainee with the skills, confidence, and resources to make meaningful contributions to science and society.
Why Rutgers?
Founded in 1766, Rutgers University is the eighth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and holds a distinguished place as a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS) ranks among the top 25 public research institutions, offering a dynamic environment that combines top-tier research facilities with an open, collegial spirit. The campus is ideally situated within driving distance of both New York City and Philadelphia, providing trainees and researchers unparalleled access to collaborative research opportunities, clinical partnerships, and professional networks in both cities. As a member of the Big Ten Conference since 2014, Rutgers has enhanced its research and training capacities through the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), promoting resource-sharing and collaborations with other leading universities. Within Rutgers, the extensive campus transportation network—the largest of its kind in the U.S.—makes travel between campuses convenient and seamless, supporting the interconnectedness of diverse departments. For trainees, Rutgers offers significant benefits, from robust union protections and comprehensive benefits packages to an inclusive community focused on mentorship and career growth. Additionally, New Jersey provides an ideal backdrop with its diverse communities, cultural opportunities, and vibrant outdoor spaces, offering a high quality of life that complements the academic and professional advantages of joining the Rutgers community.
Visit Us
Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School,
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Research Tower, Rooms 708-709
675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8021 USA