Lauren N. Miterko-Myers
Austin College, USAPresentation Title:
Adaptations in developing motor circuits inform therapeutic interventions for movement disorders
Abstract
The developing brain is remarkably resilient. In response to trauma, environmental stress, and genetic mutations, neural connections can rearrange to prevent behavioral impact if the timing is right. Through combining genetics with histological, electrophysiological, and behavioral analyses, we characterized circuit development across motor disorder models. We found that transient alterations in cellular connectivity have long-lasting consequences on circuit function. Guided by our identification of critical developmental windows, we then tested whether therapies aimed at ameliorating cellular dysfunction stemming from early perturbations are efficacious. Indeed, tailored treatments improve motor behavior in genetic mouse models of ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. Our findings highlight how understanding circuit development can inform motor repair. Future studies aim to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying motor circuit adadptations to advance neuro- preservation and restoration efforts.
Biography
Lauren N. Miterko-Myers completed her Ph.D. in Developmental Biology from Baylor College of Medicine (USA) and postdoctoral work in Neurobiology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (USA). She began her faculty appointment in the Biology Department at Austin College (USA) in August 2025, where she teaches courses related to Organismal Biology & Physiology and heads a laboratory investigating motor circuit development and resilience. She is a member of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, Society of Developmental Biology, and Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience. She will be also serving as a Guest Editor for an upcoming special issue in Dystonia.
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