[{"from": "human", "value": "Provide a brief overview of this molecule. [C][C][=Branch1][C][=O][N][C@@H1][Branch1][#Branch1][C][C][=Branch1][C][=O][O][C][=Branch1][C][=O][O]"}, {"from": "gpt", "value": "The molecule is a derivative of aspartic acid. It is the second most concentrated molecule in the brain after the amino acid glutamate. It is synthesized in neurons from the amino acid aspartate and acetyl coenzyme A. The various functions served by N-acetylaspartic acid are still under investigation, but the primary proposed functions include:. 1) A neuronal osmolyte that is involved in fluid balance in the brain 2) A source of acetate for lipid and myelin synthesis in oligodendrocytes, the glial cells that myelinate neuronal axons 3) A precursor for the synthesis of the important neuronal dipeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate 4)N-Acetylaspartic acid may also be involved in energy production from the amino acid glutamate in neuronal mitochondria."}]