Yuri Kotelevtsev’s main expertise is in the molecular genetics of cardiovascular disease and in gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. He has provided a crucial contribution toward the discovery of the first genetic linkage between elevated blood pressure and angiotensinogen in essential hypertension in men. He has also introduced several knockout and transgenic models of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis including knockout (KO) of the 11 β−hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (11β-HSD-1) gene. Resistance of 11β-HSD-1 knockout mice to obesity and stress established this gene as a drug target (see publication # 41 in the Publications tab). This publication initiated drug discovery programs in leading pharmaceutical companies. Now, the inhibitors of 11β-HSD-1 are in clinical trials for the treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and dementia. Genetic KO of 11β-HSD-2 produced a model of hypokalemia and hypertension.