Currently studying the effects of metabolic disorders on astrocyte function in the brain. Astrocytes play an important role in normal neuronal homeostasis and function and are instrumental in the pathophysiology of certain neurotoxicities. Astrocytes function in calcium homeostasis and signal transduction, produce growth factors, modulate synaptic activity, serve as important metabolic regulators for normal neuronal function, regulate extracellular ion homeostasis, and maintain extracellular glutamate at appropriate physiological concentrations. Techniques utilized in the laboratory include protein extraction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.
