Reyes-Soffer Lab

Our laboratory studies Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism in Humans. We developed novel techniques to study lipoprotein clearance and secretion in humans. The lab is currently working on defining the mechanisms that regulate Lipoprotein (a), a cardiovascular risk factor for atherosclerosis. In addition, the laboratory is interested in the pathways regulating the development of NAFLD vs. Cardiovascular disease in states of increased body fat accumulation. The lab is also collaborating with Dr. Henry N. Ginsberg and Investigators at the University of Maryland to describe mechanisms regulating rare lipid altering genetic mutations. We have various proposals examining the role of novel lipid altering treatments on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.

Our purpose is to design and execute research studies that define and/or discover novel pathways of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. These pathways are essential in development of cardiovascular and liver disease. We aim to execute our work in a diverse, friendly, productive, respectful and engaging environment. We expect the highest standards of professionalism. We want to train future scientist and spread our research knowledge to others.  We aim to produce robust and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. We aim to value and respect our participants, colleagues and collaborators in science.

Principal Investigator Profile:

I was born in the Dominican Republic, but due to the recession of the 70’s-80’s, my parents decided to immigrate to the US, splitting our family of six in  different paths. My journey to America started at 12 years of age, as an adopted child of relatives, living in the American controlled military base at Cocoli, in Panamá. This allowed my parents to work hard and reunite our family in New York City years later. These life challenges and adventures have never deterred me from pursuing my passion for learning and achieving success. Despite my unconventional path to become a clinical-translational researcher, I have been able to develop and demonstrate expertise and leadership in the execution of clinical research projects. My academic achievements could not be possible without the exceptional guidance, friendship and mentorship of Dr. Henry N. Ginsberg. I am highly motivated, enthusiastic, persistent, and extremely goal oriented. I am married and have two children. Our current home is in the suburbs of NYC.  I enjoy the outdoors and numerous sports.

Resources:

IICTR (link to website) http://irvinginstitute.columbia.edu/

Laboratory Protocols – please contact us gr2104@cumc.columbia.edu :all documents available via invitation to LabArchives.

Publications:

PUBMED link to my name Reyes-Soffer, Gissette

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Reyes-Soffer

Academic Background:

Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra

Santiago, Dominican Republic

MD

06/2000

Doctor in Medicine

 

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

New York, NY

Research Fellow

11/2007

T32-Atherosclerosis-Lipid Metabolism

 

Columbia University, School of Continuing Education/Public Health, New York, NY

11/2008

Biostatistics/Clinical Research

Other Experience and Professional Memberships

2004-Present Member, American Heart Association, ATVB council

Diversity Committee Co-Chair (Jan 2018-June 2019), Chair (Jun 2019-June 2020).  

ATVB National Meeting Planning Committee and Abstract Reviewer (2018-2019)

2013-2014 Genzyme, Advisory Committee – Mipomersen (apoB antisense)

2014-2017 Merck, Inc. Member Advisory Committee – Anacetrapib (CETP Inhibitor)

2014-Present Reviewer, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

2014-Present Member, New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center

2015-Present Reviewer, Journal of Lipid Research, Diabetes, Journal of Clinical Nutrition

2016-Present Member, National Lipid Association (previous member 2004-2010)

2016-Present Reviewer, ATVB Journal

2016- Present Lp(a) Foundation Scientific Advisory Board

2017-Present Associate Editor, Journal of Atherosclerosis (EAS journal)

2019-Present Junior Associate Editor, Journal of Lipid Research

Current Laboratory Funding

Ongoing Research Support

Principal Investigator:

1.  Herbert Irving Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University

7/1/2019-6/30/22

2. Vagelos College for Physicians and Surgeons Junior Faculty Research Diversity Award

7/1/2019-6/30/2020

3. R01 HL139759: Unraveling the Complexity of Lipoprotein (a) Metabolism: Human Kinetic Studies. 8/1/2018-6/30/22

Co-Investigator:

1. R35 HL135833 (Ginsberg): Phenotyping Genetic Disorders of Hepatic Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism in Cells, Mice, and Men. Role: Co-Investigator

2. Industry Sponsored: A Phase 2 Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Effects of Two Doses over 48 hours of MEDI6012 on Apolipoprotein B100 Metabolism in subjects with Stable Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. NCT03773172

Project Collaborations:

1. Apo(a):apoB100 interactions as key determinants of Lp(a) biosynthesis. PI Dr. Marlys Koschinsky and Dr.Michael Boffa. Canadian Institute of Heath Research

2. R35 HL135833 (Ginsberg): Phenotyping Genetic Disorders of Hepatic Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism in Cells, Mice, and Men. Role: Co-Investigator