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Led by Professor Kerry-Anne Rye
The Lipid Research Group is a world leader in researching high-density lipoproteins (HDL) - the cholesterol fraction in blood known as good cholesterol that prevents heart disease. The group studies how HDL's are regulated in the body and how their protective properties can be increased.
The group has discovered that not all HDL's are built equal! There are many types of HDL in blood varying in size, shape and chemical composition. Importantly, not all HDL protect against heart disease to the same degree. The Lipid Research Group is on a mission to find which HDL's protect best against heart disease, and to unravel the process of how they do it.
The group has made a major breakthrough in its quest. They have developed a new way of making HDL's from their base ingredients of proteins and fats. The Heart Research Institute leads the world in preparing these unique particles that are called reconstituted HDL (rHDL). The potential of this expertise has excited researchers and spurred many joint studies with research laboratories both nationally and internationally.
Inflammation is also an important factor in the development of atherosclerosis. The group has recently made the major discovery that HDL's are able to block this inflammation. By doing so they have identified a new mechanism by which HDL's protect against heart disease and stroke. This work has major implications for the development of new approaches to heart disease prevention.
Current Projects
High density lipoproteins (HDL) and diabetes
The influence of apolipoproteins on HDL structure and function
High density apolipoproteins and inflammation
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