Sharon L Karackattu

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Sharon L. Karackattu

Introduction

Sharon L. Karackattu is a prominent inventor based in Cambridge, MA, known for her groundbreaking work in the field of cardiovascular research. She has developed an innovative animal model that simulates coronary heart disease, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of this condition.

Latest Patents

Sharon holds a patent for an "Inducible heart attack animal model." This model allows for the induction of myocardial infarction by altering the diet of the animal. The model is characterized by reduced activity of scavenger receptor class BI (SR-BI) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). By crossbreeding two transgenic mouse lines, she has created a model that is predisposed to hypercholesterolemia while maintaining a longer lifespan on a low-fat diet. The model can develop atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction within a month when placed on a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet.

Career Highlights

Sharon is affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she conducts her research. Her work has significant implications for understanding coronary heart disease and the effects of diet on its progression. The animal model she developed can be utilized to study the efficacy of drugs and the impact of social environmental factors on heart disease.

Collaborations

Sharon has collaborated with notable researchers, including Monty Krieger and Songwen Zhang, to advance her work in cardiovascular research.

Conclusion

Sharon L. Karackattu's contributions to the field of cardiovascular research through her innovative animal model have opened new avenues for understanding coronary heart disease. Her work continues to impact the scientific community and offers potential for future advancements in treatment and prevention.