Overview

Atherosclerosis is a degenerative process affecting the large arteries of the body including the coronary circulation. The Atherosclerosis, Genetics, and Cell Biology Research Program studies major risk factors for atherosclerosis, including abnormal levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called bad cholesterol, and/or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol; obesity; and diabetes.

Genetic factors are an important contribution to susceptibility to atherosclerosis and its various disease risk factors. A better understanding of the genetics of these diseases can be expected to uncover unknown biological pathways and, ultimately, new drug targets.

Finally, cell biology, the understanding of fundamental cellular processes, is pivotal in providing the link between genes, normal physiological function, and disease. The complementary expertise of the many investigators in the program represents a concerted and integrative approach to cardiac health and disease.