Internal Medicine - Endocrinology

Office Address:
541 C.T. Wethington Bldg.
900 S. Limestone
Lexington, KY 40536-0200

(859) 323-4933 x 81397

fax: (859) 257-3646

dvwest1@email.uky.edu

Research Interests

The role of lipoprotein receptors in cholesterol  metabolism and atherosclerosis.

Our research is focused on cell membrane receptors for plasma lipoproteins and how such receptors contribute to or protect against the disease of atherosclerosis. Lipoproteins play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis and we are studying receptors that mediate the cellular metabolism of lipoprotein particles. The HDL receptor, SR-BI, mediates the selective delivery of HDL cholesterol ester to cells and plays a key role in mediating "reverse cholesterol transport" from extrahepatic tissues to the liver. We are investigating the significance and biological functions of SR-BI and other members of this family of proteins.  This includes an investigation of the regulation of expression of SR-BI and its isoforms in different tissues by cholesterol and oxidized lipids, and studies aimed at understanding how this receptor mediates cholesterol uptake from HDL. A central hypothesis being examined is that modification of HDL during inflammation, as occurs in atherosclerotic lesions, leads to alterations in HDL structure and consequently in the interaction between HDL and SR-BI. We are examining the role of SR-BI in cellular cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis using cell culture systems as well as transgenic and gene knock-out animal models.

Current Projects

• Role of scavenger receptor BI in HDL metabolism
• Role of class B scavenger receptors in foam cell formation