In the Department of Molecular Genetics, our goal is to understand the molecular, biochemical, and physiological basis of diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, liver failure, and Alzheimer’s disease. In this end, we apply powerful tools of molecular biology to problems of clinical medicine, with a heavy emphasis on genetic and metabolic disorders.       

Topics of investigation include:

• Regulation of lipid synthesis and membrane composition
• Production of steroid hormones and bile acids
• Development and degeneration of the brain
• Genes that control appetite and sleep

We study isolated genes and proteins, cultured cells, organs of living animals, and humans with genetic defects.

Thank you for your interest in our program.

Joseph Goldstein, M.D.
Chair, Department of Molecular Genetics