| The research lines of lipoprotein metabolism, inflammation and atherogenesis are Dr. Kastelein's responsibility and that of his staff (Dr. Stroes, Dr. Twickler, Dr. Visser, Dr. Trip, Dr. Kuivenhoven, Dr. Defesche and Dr. De Groot). Dr. Kuivenhoven and Dr. Stroes mainly focus on the molecular basis of disorders of HDL metabolism with a focus on cloning of novel genes in this pathway. In addition, Dr. Stroes leads a research programme into the role of inflammatory pathways in atherogenesis and their interaction with the glycocalyx in particular and endothelial cell dysfunction in general. Dr. Twickler has introduced cardiovascular endocrinology into the department and will have the metabolic syndrome and its associated abnormalities as research topic. Dr. Defesche, as director of the DNA-diagnostic unit of the department, attempts to find novel genes underlying hereditary hypercholesterolemia. Such genes will serve as novel therapeutic targets in order to develop drugs to lower LDL-C in the population. Dr. Vissers, often in collaboration with Dr. Hutten, attempts to elucidate the role of familial factors in premature coronary disease. Last, Dr. Trip, as director of the Clinical Trial Unit of the department, leads all the clinical trials with novel therapeutics and also supervises the Bloodomics programme. |
