Gene defects in patients are analyzed by cloning and automated DNA sequence analysis, in vitro expression, and cell culture studies. Genes involved in cardiovascular disease are evaluated utilizing transgenic mice and rabbits as well as gene knockout mice. Clinical research in patients is focused on metabolic studies of lipoproteins and cholesterol.
Gene therapy is carried out in animal models using adenovirus and liposomes vector systems.
These model systems are being used for the development of gene therapy approaches to the correction of genetic diseases leading to cardiovascular disease.