Eric Miller

Ph.D. - 2013

 

Thesis Title:

AMPA Glutamate Receptor Trafficking in Models of Disease

Current Position:

Solutions Engineer II, SOVOS 

Undergraduate Institution and Major/Degree:

B.A., Psychology and Political Science, 2008, Gustavus Adolphus College, MN

Major Advisor(s):

Dezhi Liao, M.D., Ph.D.

Research Description:

The role of functional and structural plasticity of dendritic spines in drug addiction has recently attracted great attention from both basic researchers and clinicians. Although it is known that drugs of abuse cause spine plasticity, the intracellular signaling pathway through which these changes are mediated is unknown. My thesis research aims to reveal a novel signaling pathway that mediates drug-induced plasticity of dendritic spines. Therefore, the CaMKII/Kalirin7/Rac1 signaling pathway may become a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of drug addiction.

Lab Rotations:

  • Mark Thomas
  • Dezhi Liao
  • Bob Meisel

Conferences Attended:

  • Society for Neuroscience - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012
  • International Brain Research Meeting - 2011

Committee Members:

  • Bob Meisel - Chair
  • Paulo Kofuji
  • Stanley Thayer
  • Dezhi Liao - Advisor

Selected Publications:

  • Teravskis PJ, Covelo A, Miller EC, Singh B, Martell-Martínez HA, Benneyworth MA, Gallardo C, Oxnard BR, Araque A, Lee MK, Liao D. A53T mutant alpha-synuclein induces tau dependent postsynaptic impairment independent of neurodegenerative changes. J Neurosci. 2018;38:9754-9767.
  • Liao D, Miller EC, Teravskis PJ. Tau acts as a mediator for Alzheimer's disease-related synaptic deficits. Eur J Neurosci. 2014;39(7):1202-13.
  • Miller EC, Teravskis PJ, Dummer BW, Zhao X, Huganir RL, Liao D. Tau phosphorylation and tau mislocalization mediate soluble Aβ oligomer-induced AMPA glutamate receptor signaling deficits. Eur J Neurosci. 2014;39(7):1214-24.
  • Miller EC, Zhang L, Dummer BW, Cariveau DR, Loh H, Law PY, Liao D. Differential modulation of drug-induced structural and functional plasticity of dendritic spines. Mol Pharmacol. 2012;82(2):333-43.

Professional Memberships:

  • Society for Neuroscience

Home Town:

  • Racine, WI
Eric Miller