Trang TJ Nguyen - UCLA

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I will be focusing on the effects of dietary and exercise manipulation on the construction and composition of neuronal plasma membrane in specific brain regions. The fatty acid composition of brain tissue membrane plays an influential role in maintaining the integrity of synaptic function and plasticity. The composition of fatty acid types in the bilayer can influence its biological properties, modulating plasma membrane fluidity and its ability to transmit signals. Enhanced signal transmission and synaptic plasticity in turn render neuronal communication more efficient, augmenting cognitive and behavioral performance. Unfortunately, DHA cannot be synthesized de novo by the body and must be obtained by dietary means, most effectively through whole food sources rich in DHA such as many types of fish. However, for those restricted to a non-meat diet, the direct consumption of DHA is limited and accumulation of DHA in the brain and body must derive from the consumption of DHA precursors. These precursors can be converted to DHA by the consecutive action of a series of enzymes - however, the rates of conversion of precursors to DHA are very low. Given the positive influences healthy lifestyle habits has shown to impact on brain health, I aim to determine if healthy eating and exercise treatments can increase the level of DHA synthesis from precursors in the brain and liver.