Quantifying Short-Chain Fatty Acids
This research develops electrochemical sensors to measure short chain fatty acids and their fluxes in different tissues to understand the role of these fatty acids in human health. As a subaim, we also investigate the direct effect of these fatty acids in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system.
Project A: How can autism spectrum disorder be transferred
between individuals by only a fecal transplant?
90% of the children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also have gastrointestinal problems. We are interested in studying the contribution of the gut to the development of ASD, specifically we are interested in the role of short-chain fatty acids. It has been hypothesized that these molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier, into the brain, and alter neurochemistry. We are developing electrochemical methods to quantifying these small molecules in situ. The ultimate goal is to establish a causal relationship between the gut microbiome and the development of ASD.