Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy

Research Area: Coupling of Energy Metabolism and Neuronal Activity

My interest in neuroscience was heightened when, as an undergraduate computer science student, I began to wonder if it is possible to model the behavior of neurons by modeling the behavior of the sub-cellular components of a neuron. This initial interest, and the implications of a successful model of neuronal behavior, has led me to pursue a molecular and cell biology approach that will help define and quantify neuronal behavior. I have joined Dr. Wong-Riley’s lab where we look at the coupling of energy metabolism and neuronal activity. Neurons that are in a state of increased excitatory receptor activation will not only increase the expression of excitatory receptors, but will also increase the expression of enzymes required for energy production. The production of energy is critical for cell survival and function, and the function of neurons is to transmit signals, mostly through excitatory neuronal activity. I hope to explore the coupling of energy metabolism and neuronal activity further by examining if there is a link between the activation of excitatory receptors and the activation of the enzymes and transcription factors required for energy production.