Heinecke, Jay

Research in our laboratory focuses on the role of HDL (the good form of cholesterol) and macrophages in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, diabetes and obesity. A central effort of the research group is the identification of mechanisms that mediate site-specific modification of proteins by activated phagocyte. There is also a strong interest in using tandem mass spectrometry to identify the shed and secreted proteome of HDL and macrophages. The research group employs a variety of techniques, including mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography and high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to identify and quantify proteins and oxidized biomolecules. Genetically engineered mice are used to establish the physiological importance of oxidative stress and macrophages in atherosclerosis and obesity. Another major effort centers on the application of proteomics techniques to translational studies of HDL and its role in the pathogenesis of human cardiovascular disease.