Expertise
My long term research interests has been in lipid metabolism and lipoprotein abnormalities that lead to cardiovascular disease (CAD) and that occur as a consequence of cardiometabolic disorders including diabetes. Our studies initially focused on cellular lipid transport with emphasis on reverse cholesterol transport and the intracellular trafficking of cholesterol from sites of accumulation to sites available for removal (efflux) by high density lipoproteins (HDL) and other extracellular acceptors. My laboratory continues to study the role of HDL in promoting lipid efflux and other HDL functions as potential contributors to and biomarkers of CAD risk and prediction. Ongoing research studies atherosclerosis in mouse and rabbit models of disease with studies aimed to elucidate mechanisms by which psycho/social stress accelerates disease progression. Other ongoing studies include evaluating metabolic regulation in the context of obesity and adipose tissue inflammation and evaluating anti-inflammatory drugs and compounds in preclinical models of diabetes and obesity. These latter studies are aimed at identifying novel therapies that may improve glycemic control, modulate systemic inflammation and ameliorate the CAD comorbidities associated with diabetes.