Because biochemical pathways are fundamental to normal body and brain function, changes in those pathways can disrupt not only the pathway itself, but also the processes and functions that rely on the pathway’s products and byproducts.
The IDDB funds research on biochemical processes and metabolism as these topics relate to brain functioning, brain injury, and long-term consequences to the brain. The Branch’s efforts include research in hypoxia/ischemia and mitochondrial disorders, among others.