Neurochemistry of the Brain Serotonin System

Andrews group research is centered on the chemistry of the serotonin neurotransmitter system. The primary goal is to understand more fully the role of serotonin in complex behavior, and the etiology and treatment of psychiatric disorders (depression and anxiety disorders) and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases). Genetically engineered mice, as well as selective drugs and neurotoxins are used as tools to investigate normative behavior and disease processes. Neurochemistry in these model systems is interrogated using bioanalytical techniques including high-speed carbon fiber microelectrode voltammetry and in vivo microdialysis coupled to high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED). Additionally, autoradiography, immunocytochemistry, RT-qPCR and ELISA are used to investigate neuroadaptive changes in neuronal innervation and the expression of key proteins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Neurotransmitter-functionalized self-assembled monolayer "neurochips" have recently been designed for the development of novel in vivo biosensors and functionally-directed proteomics.