By understanding tiny, powerful molecules, a collaborative research team led by Professor of Chemistry Ming Xian develops innovative chemical tools that could lead to new medical treatments.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] - Every day, the human body relies on tiny molecules for vital functions that impact everything from heart health to mental well-being to myriad physiological processes and diseases.
Signaling molecules, which help cells communicate with each other, are among the most critical the body relies on, but figuring out precisely how these molecules work can be complex and challenging - a reality that holds back some biomedical advancements regulating these molecules.
At Brown University, the Xian research group, led by Professor of Chemistry Ming Xian, is tackling the challenge head-on. The scientists' goal is to develop tools to track and understand these compounds, potentially leading to new medical treatments and deeper insights into their functions within the body.
"Our long-term goal is to understand diseases and other health problems at the molecular level," said Xian, who serves as the lab's principal investigator. "We develop novel small molecule chemical tools and methods to study biological phenomena that may be used as potential diagnostic or therapeutic tools."
The signaling molecules the group specializes in are tiny sulfur-containing compounds in the body that send messages and instructions between cells. These messages can trigger a range of effects, like helping to regulate blood pressure or even balancing someone's mood.
