Research Platforms' Performance Reports BRIMS 2015-2017 | Page 14

RESEARCH FACILITIES
Neurochemistry Platform
Platform Leader: Dr Takayoshi Ubuka
Neurochemistry is the study of fundamental genetic mechanisms in the human body that regulate how chemicals govern
the activity of nerve cells. The failure of these mechanisms can lead to the onset of devastating life-threatening and chronic
diseases, foremost among them: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic laterals sclerosis, autism, schizophrenia
and major depression. In the Neurochemistry platform, several neurochemical substances such as neurotransmitters,
neuropeptides, and steroid hormones can be isolated and quantified using HPLC, LC/MS, plate reader and MALDO-ToF-
ToF (in collaboration with Proteomics Lab at Monash Clayton, Professor Ian Smith’s group).
Equipment
Capillary LC System
Ultrasonic Homogenizer
TECAN Infinite 200 PRO
Key Techniques and Services
• HPLC
• LC-MS
• EIA
• ELISA
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• Steroids
• Neurotransmitters
• Neuropeptides