Brain Metabolism Laboratory

The Brain Metabolism Laboratory focuses on studies of the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, which is among the major brain lesions of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease. Abnormal brain molecular signaling appears to play a key role in neurodegeneration. However, the detailed mechanisms are not well understood. To reveal these molecular mechanisms, this lab is investigating the mechanisms leading to altered brain molecular signaling during neurodegeneration, with a focus on brain insulin signaling, protein O-GlcNAcylation, and brain glucose metabolism.

Specifically, the Brain Metabolism Laboratory has three ongoing research projects, which are investigating i) the role of brain protein O-GlcNAcylation in neurodegeneration and metabolism, ii) the role of brain insulin signaling in neurodegeneration and as a potential therapeutic target for treating neurodegeneration such as in Alzheimer disease, and iii) the adverse effect of general anesthesia on long-term cognitive function, and prevention of this effect.