Atherosclerosis Research Unit
ARU Research: The research of the Atherosclerosis Research Unit
(ARU) is based upon three fundamental precepts:
- Apolipoprotein (apo) A-I-containing lipoproteins (HDL) play a major role in atherogenesis
- ApoB-containing lipoproteins (LDL) play a major role in atherogenesis
- The properties of the different apolipoprotein domains involved in the regulation
of the functions of the (apo) A-I- and apoB-containing lipoproteins are determined
to a major extent by the properties of the amphipathic motifs ubiquitous to apolipoproteins.
Amphipathic motifs represent the fundamental paradigm guiding the ARU over the 23
years of its existence. During this period of time we have demonstrated that amphipathic
motifs (the amphipathic α helix and the amphipathic β strand/sheet) are
fundamental to a full understanding of the cause and reversal of atherosclerosis.
The long-term objectives of the ARU are to continue the development of a comprehensive
theory of the interaction of amphipathic motifs with lipid and to use this knowledge
to:
- Determine the minimal structural features of apoA-I that can prevent and/or reverse
atherosclerosis
- Determine the minimal structural features of apoB that are involved in both the
biosynthesis of apoB-containing lipoproteins and the structure, function and properties
of LDL
- Apply this knowledge to the understanding of mechanisms involved in prevention and
reversal of atherosclerosis and to the development of pharmacological agents.
ARU research spans the spectrum from computational structural biology and basic
physical chemistry of macromolecules to translational medicine and patient care.
Members of the ARU are world authorities in two areas of atherosclerosis-related
research:
- From the initial discovery of the amphipathic helix to the more recent development
of detailed structural models of lipoproteins, members of the ARU are leading authorities
on the molecular structure of HDL and LDL.
- From the pioneering use of synthetic peptide mimetics to probe the nature of the
amphipathic helix to the more recent development of therapy for inflammation-related
diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and dementia, members of the ARU have
led the way toward peptide-based pharmacology.
Opportunity for faculty involvement: Faculty, postdoctoral and
predoctoral students are encouraged to participate in the ARU Program through collaborations
with established ARU investigators. The Program is seeking to expand its teaching
and research role at UAB.
Program contact persons:
, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Engineering,
Chemistry and Pathology
Director, UAB Center for Computational and Structural Biology
Director, Atherosclerosis Research Unit
Department of Medicine
630 Boshell Building
UAB Medical Center
Birmingham, AL 35294-0012
(tel) (205) 934-4420
(fax) (205) 975-8079
, Ph.D.
Professor
Deputy Director, Atherosclerosis Research Unit
Department of Medicine
UAB Medical Center
668 Boshell Building
Birmingham, AL 35294-0012
(tel) (205) 934-1884 or (205) 934-1883
(fax) (205) 975-8079
Leaders and Key Staff:
- Jere P. Segrest, M.D., Ph.D., Director
- G. M. Anantharamaiah, Ph.D., Deputy Director