Molecular insights into neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive physical technique t hat is routinely used to determine the quantity and structure of organic mo lecules in solution, Technical advances that have expanded the usefulness o f this technique include: (1) high resolution MRS to identify and quantify individual molecules present in complex mixtures of tissue extracts; (2) in vivo MRS techniques to non-invasively monitor metabolites in humans; (3) s tucture determination of proteins of moderate size; and (4) improved struct ure characterization of solids and liquid crystals, such as the detection o f phase changes in membranes. The focus of this review is on the first two technical advances mentioned above. The strengths of MRS as a research tool to investigate molecular alterations in disease states include ease of sam ple preparation, minimum sample manipulation, avoidance of the preparation of derivatives, and the ability to analyze an unfractionated sample. The st rengths of MRS in the clinic are its ability to measure neuronal metabolite levels non-invasively in humans and its potential for disease diagnosis, m onitoring disease progression, and assessing the efficacy of experimental t herapies. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.