Research in Dr. Lund-Katz’s laboratory has focused on the role of apolipoprotein (apo) E, which is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol and triglycerides. Polymorphism in this protein is a major risk factor for both Type III hyperlipoproteinemia and Alzheimer’s disease. She has extensive experience in the study of the structure-function relationships of plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins and apoE –mediated cholesterol transport. A range of physical-biochemical methods have been employed in combination with molecular biology, protein mutagenesis, cell culture systems and mouse models to define the structural defects of apoE, which result in the development of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.