Mohammed Akbar, PhD
Staff Scientist
301.435.2282
akbarm@mail.nih.gov

Current projects: Assessing the protective effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in neuronal survival, and modulation by ethanol.  Elucidating the underlying signaling mechanisms using biochemical, molecular biological and microscopic approaches. Examining the role of DHA in transcriptional activation of nuclear receptors and other transcription factors in neuronal cells.

Current projects: Applying the state-of-the-art techniques of mass spectrometry in conjunction with chemical cross-linking and/or various biochemical methods (1) to probe the conformational changes of signaling proteins during activation processes, (2) to elucidate the interactions between signaling proteins and plasma membrane, particularly the role of phosphatidylserine (PS) on Akt activation, and (3) to characterize the post-translational modifications of relevant proteins including PSS under docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)- or alcohol-treated conditions.

Dehua Cao, PhD.
Visiting Fellow
301.435.2282
caod@mail.nih.gov

Current projects: Investigating the role DHA in neuronal differentiation, maturation and synaptogenesis using mouse hippocampal primary cultures. Elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms by which DHA modulate neuronal function by using microscopic, immunochemical and biochemical techniques.

Kei Hamazaki, MD PhD
Visiting Fellow
301.435.2282
hamazakike@mail.nih.gov

Current projects: Investigating preventive and/or therapeutic potential of DHA in brain injury.  Establishing an animal model to test the protective effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) against neuronal apoptosis in various brain regions including hippocampal CA1 region.  Assessing in living animals whether neuronal accumulation of PS by DHA intake can support the neuronal survival, especially under a challenged condition such as experimental brain ischemia. Examining the link between neuronal membrane modification and neuropathological states. 

Hyun-Seuk Moon, Ph.D.
Visiting Fellow
301.435.2282
moonh2@mail.nih.gov

Current projects: Investigating underlying signaling mechanisms for the effect of various fatty acids and it metabolites on neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis of hippocampal neurons, by examining (1) transcriptional activities by reporter assays, (2) protein expression and (3) localization of signaling proteins by immunocytochemistry and microscopy.

Atsuko Kimura
Visiting Fellow
301.435.2282
kimuraa2@mail.nih.gov

Current projects: Investigating substrate specificity of phosphatidylserine synthase (PSS) and elucidating the functional significance of it in the neuronal system.   Examining the role of PSS in DHA-dependent and/or ethanol-dependent PS modulation in neuronal cells.  Methodological approaches involve biochemical techniques and instrumental analysis by HPLC/ESI-MS.  

Karl Kevala
Chemist
301.435.2282
kevalakr@mail.nih.gov

Current projects: Investigating neuronal membrane remodeling using biochemical, radiometric, chromatographic and mass spectrometric and organic chemistry approaches. Developing sensitive and reliable mass spectrometric assays for minor signaling components in neuronal membranes and subcellular compartments.

Current projects: Investigating the involvement of racemic (R/S) salsolinol, the product of non-enzymatic condensation of dopamine and acetaldehyde, in alcoholism. Developing sensitive analytical methods for the enantiomeric determination of salsolinol in human plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Studying biosynthesis and metabolism of salsolinol in animal models using mass spectrometry and stable isotopes. Characterizing polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites altered by ethanol in the neuronal system.