Joshua W. Knowles, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine/Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University

Research Description: The fundamental theme of work in the Knowles lab is the application of genetics to improve human health. We view this as a continuum from Discovery to the development of Model Systems to Clinical Translation to larger Public Health efforts. Currently, discovery and basic translational efforts center on understanding the genetic basis of insulin resistance and related cardiovascular traits using GWAS studies coupled with exploration in model systems both in vitro (including classic adipose and skeletal muscle cell lines as well as induced pluripotent stem cells) and in vivo (primarily mouse models). Clinical-translational research efforts in the lab are at the intersection of genetics, insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia. We are asking if we can improve an individual’s risk by giving them information (i.e. genetic risk score) about their inherited risk of heart disease. We are also performing a clinical trial to determine the mechanism of statin-associated diabetes (which predominantly occurs in those with insulin resistance). Our lab has published over 130 papers with research projects funded by the NIH, AHA, ADA and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Our lab collaborates extensively with many members of the NORC.