Lipid Science & Technology

Irina A Pikuleva studies cholesterol metabolism and cytochrome P450 enzymes whose role is to generate more polar forms of cholesterol for cellular elimination or regulation. Her laboratory focuses on the role of cholesterol-related proteins in retinal structure and function; and potential of CYP46A1 as a pharmacologic target for Alzheimer's disease. The ultimate goal of these studies is to identify new strategies for treatment of diseases of the eye (age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy) and the brain (Alzheimer’s disease). In search for these new strategies, the Pikuleva laboratory evaluates existing medications with a goal of drug re-purposing.