Unlocking Health and Sustainability: The Impact of Chemical Biology through Metals and Molecules

Chris Chang, a chemistry professor at Princeton, sees chemical biology as the fundamental alphabet of life. Since joining the Princeton chemistry department in 2024, he has been diving deep into how elements, especially metals like copper, iron, and zinc, impact biological processes. These metals are vital for cell function in all forms of life, from bacteria to humans.

Chang’s research focuses on understanding the roles these metal nutrients play in our bodies. For instance, his lab is exploring how copper influences sleep patterns. Interestingly, as organisms evolved from living in water to thriving on land, REM sleep began to develop. Aquatic creatures do not experience this stage of sleep, highlighting an evolutionary shift linked to environmental changes.

Gen Li, a postdoctoral researcher in Chang’s lab, emphasizes the importance of copper balance. Too much copper can lead to cell death, which is critical to understand for treating various conditions. They use tools that light up when they detect copper in its +1 oxidation state, allowing for precise mapping of copper levels in cells.

Aidan Pezacki, a graduate student in the lab, explains how they visualize these copper dynamics. They use fluorescence microscopy, where specialized sensors bind to copper ions in cells, brightening to reveal changes in copper levels.

These studies are vital not just for understanding sleep but also for tackling brain health. Copper is linked to synaptic plasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt. An imbalance, whether it’s too much or too little, can lead to cognitive problems and disorders.

Recent research shows that copper might offer potential treatments for certain cancers. In a study, lung cancer cells with specific mutations showed lower copper levels. By using copper-binding agents, researchers found that these cells became more susceptible to death, suggesting a new avenue for targeted cancer treatment.

Chang’s lab is not just focused on sleep or cancer. They are also investigating how metal nutrients could influence obesity and neurodegeneration. The mechanics of cell survival and death can be directly linked to metal metabolism, providing fresh insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapies.

Chang’s background in renewable energy underlines his belief that health and sustainability are interconnected. He sees chemistry as the critical link between environmental health and human biology. As chemical biology evolves, its implications touch more fields, from physics to engineering.

In Chang’s view, understanding the elements that compose life is essential for addressing complex biological and medical challenges. His work represents a growing trend in scientific research—where the connections between chemistry, biology, and everyday health become clearer. As we continue to unravel these connections, the future of medicine and environmental science looks promising.

For more insightful discussions on the connection between chemistry and health, you can check [this report](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/protein-biology/protein-purification/chelators?srsltid=AfmBOoq7Qxo_OH6BCKZ5CY2RyYgjL_78V8yygHTzikcPbPk-Rc95raNK) on chelators and their roles in metal metabolism.

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