Joe Goldstein is a molecular geneticist best known for his groundbreaking research into cholesterol. Joe discovered the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors that remove cholesterol from the blood, and found the genetic absence of these receptors to be a significant cause of cholesterol-related coronary heart disease.
He has transformed our ability to treat hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease. His studies led to the development of new statin drugs to lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks. Despite now being a candidate for prominent positions in scientific administration, Joe prefers to continue his hands-on research into cholesterol.
He has collaborated with American geneticist Michael Brown since 1972, making theirs one of the longest scientific partnerships in history. They share many awards and honours, including the 1985 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for their work on the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and more recently, the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research in 2003. Joe and Michael are also recipients of the US National Medal of Science (1988).
Subject groups
- Molecules of Life
Awards
-
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Jointly with Michael S. Brown for their discoveries concerning the regulation of cholesterol metabolism.
