Macrophage function in lipoprotein/cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis

We have established a cDNA microarray platform for use in research focused on atherosclerosis and heart disease. Our objective is the elucidation of signalling pathways with an impact on cholesterol metabolism regulation. Specifically, we aim to discover novel genes and their encoded products that could serve as drugs, drug targets or diagnostic markers for this indication. Our specific focus is on modulating gene function to promote cholesterol efflux from peripheral tissues (reverse cholesterol transport) via HDL, thereby alleviating the potentially deleterious accumulation and oxidation of cholesterol, most notably in macrophage foam cells, that is strongly correlated with atherosclerosis.