Spring 2024 Chemistry GU4102 section 001

CHEMISTRY FOR THE BRAIN

Call Number 11328
Day & Time
Location
TR 10:10am-11:25am
320 Havemeyer Hall
Points 4.5
Grading Mode Standard
Approvals Required None
Instructor Dalibor Sames
Type LECTURE
Method of Instruction In-Person
Course Description Prerequisites: Organic chemistry and biology courses, neuroscience or neurobiology recommended, but not required. The study of the brain is one of the most exciting frontiers in science and medicine today. Although neuroscience is by nature a multi-disciplinary effort, chemistry has played many critical roles in the development of modern neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and brain imaging. Chemistry, and the chemical probes it generates, such as molecular modulators, therapeutics, imaging agents, sensors, or actuators, will continue to impact neuroscience on both preclinical and clinical levels. In this course, two major themes will be discussed. In the first one, titled Imaging brain function with chemical tools, we will discuss molecular designs and functional parameters of widely used fluorescent sensors in neuroscience (calcium, voltage, and neurotransmitter sensors), their impact on neuroscience, pros and cons of genetically encoded sensors versus chemical probes, and translatability of these approaches to the human brain. In the second major theme, titled Perturbation of the brain function with chemical tools, we will examine psychoactive substances, the basics of medicinal chemistry, brain receptor activation mechanisms and coupled signaling pathways, and their effects on circuit and brain function. We will also discuss recent approaches, failures and successes in the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Recent advances in precise brain function perturbation by light (optogenetics and photopharmacology) will also be introduced. In the context of both themes we will discuss the current and future possibilities for the design of novel materials, drawing on the wide molecular structural space (small molecules, proteins, polymers, nanomaterials), aimed at monitoring, modulating, and repairing human brain function. This course is intended for students (undergraduate and graduate) from the science, engineering and medical departments.
Web Site Vergil
Department Chemistry
Enrollment 27 students (28 max) as of 12:06PM Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Subject Chemistry
Number GU4102
Section 001
Division Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Note REQ: Email ch2953 to supply needed info to enroll.
Section key 20241CHEM4102G001