The Brain Chemistry

Our brain is capable of controlling complex functions such as learning, memory, and sleep. Those processes require sophisticated communication among brain cells. The speed, intensity, and specificity of cellular interaction is tuned with a variety of neurotransmitters, such as amino acids, peptides and hormones. Hence, the quantitative and qualitative understanding of the chemical composition of cells is essential for deciphering brain function. In the laboratory, I use analytical chemistry techniques, such as mass spectrometry, to look at small molecule profiles of individual neurons and astrocytes. Based on the compounds detected, I can assign cellular function in a normal brain and I can identify chemical changes associated with brain pathology. Therefore, studying single-cell chemistry can tell us how we perform daily tasks, as well as how to help those who struggle with neurological diseases.Ope