Molecular Neurobiology

Molecular Neurobiology is a field of neuroscience that focuses on the study of how individual molecules and other biological components interact to form the functions of neurons and neuronal systems. This includes the study of neurotransmitters, receptors, and the molecules that form and maintain the synaptic connections between neurons. The goal of molecular neurobiology is to uncover how the molecular composition of neurons and their associated components affect the behavior of neuronal networks and how such networks give rise to higher cognitive and neurological functions in the brain. Molecular Neurobiology attempts to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms behind neuronal and synaptic functions. This includes understanding how the molecular structure and interactions between molecules affects how neurotransmitters move between neurons and how the individual receptors are expressed in various neurons. Additionally, researchers are interested in understanding how a neuron's electrical activity is regulated by changes in its molecular components. Finally, molecular neurobiology seeks to better understand how proteins and molecules interact at the synaptic junction in order to regulate the transfer of information between neurons. In order to better understand how the molecular makeup of neurons influences neural function, molecular neurobiologists utilize a wide range of experimental techniques. This includes imaging, electrophysiology, single-molecule fluorescent imaging, and protein identification methods, among others. In addition, molecular neurobiology incorporates both in vitro and in vivo models, including transgenic mouse models, to further understand the functions of various molecules within the brain. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurons, molecular neurobiologists can gain insight into normal and abnormal neuronal functioning. This includes understanding how normal neuronal communication takes place and how disruptions in the molecular make-up of neurons may result in neurological diseases and disorders. Ultimately, the goals of molecular neurobiology remain to gain a better understanding of the molecular processes governing normal and abnormal neuronal functioning.