Lale Özcan

This study identifies geranylgeranyl isoprenoids and hepatic Rap1a as regulators of PCSK9 expression, showing that statin-induced PCSK9 is dependent on these factors and their inhibition reduces PCSK9 and plasma cholesterol.

This study shows that Rap1a activation prevents fatty liver and NASH by reducing Srebp1 processing and hepatic TG accumulation in obese mice.

This study shows that Rap1a suppresses hepatic glucose production and that its inhibition, via statins, contributes to hyperglycemia in obesity.

This study shows that MK2 inhibitors TBX-1 and TBX-2 improve glucose metabolism and reduce atherosclerotic plaque instability in mice with established atherosclerosis.