His research is focused on the structure and function of biological membranes as regulated by lipid “flippases”, in normal and diabetic blood cells.
Our studies employ a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and spectroscopic methods, including protein chemistry, radiolabel, and fluorescent techniques.
Concurrently, we are investigating the role of blood cell membrane structure in cardiovascular disease. Specifically, we are studying the loss of transmembrane phospholipid asymmetry observed in diabetic red blood cells to determine the relationship between the vascular complications associated with diabetes and membrane structural perturbations.
Ongoing studies are designed to determine the mechanism by which lipid oxidation induces membrane lipid scrambling, including studies with animal models of diabetes and human diabetics. In related work, we are studying phospholipid transport in normal and diabetic blood platelets to understand the role of oxidative inhibition of the flippase in amino phospholipid externalization, a process required for normal blood clotting.
Research Interests:
- structure and organization of biological membranes; phospholipid transporters; effect of diabetes on membrane structure
