B.S., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Daisy Sahoo Emil: achadwick@mcw.edu Phone: (414) 456-8005
Research Interest
The reverse cholesterol transport pathway is an important mechanism that prevents the leading cause of heart disease, atherosclerosis. In this pathway, cholesterol is transferred from the peripheral tissues to high density lipoproteins (HDL) that transport cholesterol to either the liver for bile excretion or the steroidogenic tissues for steroid hormone synthesis. Our lab studies the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), that mediates the selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from HDL particles via the interaction between SR-BI and HDLs’ primary protein component, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I).
Novel cross-linking strategies coupled with mass spectrometry will help us to better understand the interaction between SR-BI and apoA-I. Proper receptor-ligand binding is essential for cholesterol transport and excretion. As such, an improved understanding of this interaction can lead to therapeutic strategies that will ultimately lead to lower total plasma cholesterol levels and prevention of cardiovascular disease.