The human brain consumes a disproportionate amount of the body's oxygen, as it derives its energy almost exclusively from oxidative metabolism of glucose.
Mitochondria plays a crucial role in oxidative metabolism.
A number of clinical disorders, including stroke, ischemia, and trauma, result in an insufficiency of oxygen to the brain. A number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's, result in impaired glucose utilization. Epileptic lesions may be caused by an imbalance between energy production and energy utilization. The objective of my research is to identify critical factors that regulate mitochondrial oxidative metabolism so as to activate oxidative metabolism that could then be used to counter the effects of acute and chronic insults to the brain. Extensive experience in cell culture techniques, including cell labeling and immunoprecipitation analysis.