Deckelbaum Lab

A major focus of research in Dr. Deckelbaum's laboratory is to determine molecular mechanisms for interactions of cells and lipids, including lipoproteins, model triglyceride-rich emulsions and fatty acids, in pathways regulating the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The laboratory has demonstrated that the composition of the core lipids of model lipid emulsions, direct the pathways of how lipoproteins and emulsion particles enter cells and modify cellular responses in different cellular organelles. An important emphasis is to define mechanisms whereby omega-3 fatty acids interact with these organelles in diminishing adverse effects in organ and cell injuries. Integrated with these findings, are studies on how different lipids, transcription factors, and lipases, modulate cellular triglyceride and cholesterol homeostasis, inflammation and transcriptional control of genes related to atherogenesis, stroke and myocardial infarction in cell culture and rodent models.

Recent projects in Dr. Deckelbaum's research group focus on defining mechanisms whereby acute administration of omega-3 triglycerides provides "protection" against brain and cardiac tissue damage induced by cerebral hypoxic/ischemic injury (stroke) and myocardial infarction.