Research Focus

The central theme of our research is the study of small non-coding RNAs (sRNA) and the alternative functions of lipoproteins in cardiometabolic diseases. Specifically, the Vickers lab investigates the mechanisms and consequences of lipoprotein transport of sRNAs within intercellular communication networks. The ultimate goal of our research is to gain fundamental knowledge on the role of extracellular sRNAs on lipoproteins, to be able to target these mechanisms, and to treat and prevent cardiometabolic diseases. Our research has opened an entirely new field of study and has altered the paradigm of lipoprotein metabolism. As such, we have developed many new methods and bioinformatic tools for the analysis of lipoprotein sRNAs.