Basic Science in Anesthesiology

Overview

The Department of Anesthesiology at Mass General Brigham is dedicated to advancing the discovery of fundamental mechanisms that underlie general anesthesia, critical illness, and pain. Our basic science program integrates cellular, molecular, and systems-level research to uncover how anesthetic agents affect the brain and other organ systems, and to identify the processes that drive perioperative risk and recovery.

Investigators study the neural circuits of consciousness and pain, explore cardiovascular and pulmonary responses to surgical stress, and investigate the genetic and molecular factors that influence patient susceptibility to perioperative complications. In addition, our research leverages innovations in bioengineering and material science to develop new monitoring technologies, biomaterials, and drug delivery systems that enhance safety and precision in perioperative medicine.

By combining cutting-edge science with translational potential, our basic science program fuels discoveries that inform clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, and guide the development of novel therapeutics and devices. Collaborations across Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, and affiliated institutions create a rich, interdisciplinary environment where ideas developed in the laboratory are translated to the bedside.

Research Focus Areas

Neuroscience of Consciousness

Consciousness research in our department focuses on understanding fundamental mechanisms of anesthetic-induced unconsciousness and subsequent recovery. Investigators integrate advanced techniques such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, patch clamping, intracranial neurophysiological recordings, computational modeling, and touchscreen-based cognitive testing to understand how general anesthetics affect individual cells, neural circuits and systems, and the whole brain. This work aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms of anesthetic action, identify strategies to accelerate emergence from anesthesia, and develop novel therapeutics to treat perioperative neurocognitive disorders, with an emphasis on improving patient safety and optimizing brain health in vulnerable populations.

Neuroscience of Pain

Investigators in our department conduct cutting-edge basic science research to understand the mechanisms of pain and develop safer, more effective treatments. Investigators study both acute and chronic pain, exploring how neural circuits, neurotransmitters, and molecular signaling pathways contribute to pain perception and modulation. Using cellular electrophysiology and molecular biology, researchers aim to uncover the fundamental biology of pain and the effects of anesthetics and analgesics on the nervous system. This work supports the development of targeted analgesics and patient-centered approaches to pain management, with the goal of reducing opioid use while improving safety and outcomes.

Material Science

Research in material science focuses on the development and application of advanced biomaterials to improve drug delivery, patient monitoring, and perioperative outcomes. Investigators collaborate with chemists, engineers, and clinicians to design novel materials—such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, and biocompatible polymers—that enable targeted and sustained delivery of anesthetics, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory agents. By integrating materials science with anesthesiology and critical care, researchers are advancing innovative solutions to enhance patient care across the perioperative continuum.

Critical Care

Our basic science research in critical care focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms that drive organ dysfunction and systemic responses to perioperative stress in critically ill patients. Investigators study sepsis, acute respiratory failure, multi-organ injury, inflammation, and hemodynamic instability at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. By elucidating these pathways, researchers aim to identify novel therapeutic targets and interventions to improve patient outcomes in the ICU. This work bridges basic and translational science, integrating insights from immunology, physiology, and systems biology to develop strategies for monitoring, preventing, and treating critical illness.

Cardiovascular

Basic cardiovascular research in our department seeks to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern cardiac function, stress responses, and myocardial injury in the perioperative setting. Investigators explore how noncoding RNAs, epigenetic regulation, and intercellular signaling influence cardiac hypertrophy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, and metabolic stress, contributing to fundamental insights into cardioprotection and organ resilience. This work aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and pathways that could mitigate cardiovascular risk during surgery and critical illness, improve myocardial protection, and enhance recovery.

Genetics

Our genetics research seeks to advance our understanding of how individual genetic variation influences perioperative risk, anesthetic response, and recovery. Investigators integrate genomics, transcriptomics, and other approaches with robust clinical data to identify biomarkers of susceptibility to complications such as adverse drug reactions, postoperative delirium, and organ injury. This work supports the development of precision medicine strategies that tailor anesthetic care to each patient’s unique genetic profile. Through close collaboration with institutional genomics programs and bioinformatics experts, the department is translating genetic discoveries into clinically actionable insights that improve safety, personalize care, and enhance outcomes across the perioperative spectrum.