The overall theme of my work is to understand the genetic basis of complex cardiovascular diseases such as coronary disease and insulin resistance. Currently, I am involved in genome wide association (GWA) studies of coronary disease through the NIH-funded ADVANCE study and of insulin resistance through the international GENESIS project. After using the GWA approach to discover and validate interesting candidate genes, I hope to explore the biology underlying these genes and pathways using cell culture and in vivo model systems. I am also using iPSC technology (induced pluripotent stem cells) to develop model systems for the study of insulin resistance through the NIH-funded GENESiPS project.
I also have a strong interest in developing tools to help translate newly emerging genetic data into clinical practice and am currently the PI of a randomized trial where we are examining whether we can improve patient coronary disease risk factor profiles by giving them information about their inherited risk of coronary disease.
Clinically, I am interested in the care of patients with inherited cardiovascular conditions. In particular I am focused on individuals with Familial Hypercholesterolemia. I also have an interest in treating Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. I take care of these patients in the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease.