Vatassery, Govind T., Ph.D.

NEUROBIOLOGY/BIOCHEMISTRY

Govind T. Vatassery Ph.D. Director, Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Research Service and the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Medical Center AND Professor, Neuroscience Division of the Department of Psychiatry and Senior Member, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota. The primary goal of studies conducted in our laboratory is to understand the role of redox factors (e.g., endogenous antioxidants vitamin E, vitamin C and glutathione) in cellular function in brain. Biological systems are subjected to oxidative stress due to suboptimal protection by antioxidants. This type of stress is involved in the pathogenesis of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Hence antioxidants may play a very important role in the prevention and / or modulation of the course of such disorders. Most recently, we have reported on the specific impact of viatmin E deficiency in modulating the activity of mitochondria within the brain. We are also studying the interrelationships between the various antioxidants both in vivo and in vitro. The effects of endogenous factors that induce oxidative stress such as iron have also been studied. Our investigations span the entire spectrum of experimental models including subcellular organelles, cells in culture, and human physiological fluids. In addition, we participate in laboratory studies on the use of neuropharmacological agents in human clinical trials by monitoring the concentrations of drugs and other substances in serum using high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatorgraphy. We use transgenic animals as models for Alzheimer's disease in collaboration with other investigators. One of the most recent avenues of research involves modulation of the viability and differentiation of stem cells using redox factors in collaboration with investigators at the University of Minnesota.