Vanderbilt University · BiologyMiller Synaptics Lab
David M Miller · Nashville, Tennessee
Research Focus
Dr. David M. Miller's research lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on the molecular genetics of synaptic remodeling using the model organism C. elegans. The lab investigates how specific proteins, such as Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) and associated proteins like RIG-3, play essential roles in the formation and modification of neural connections. Ultimately, this work aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that may also apply to synaptic plasticity in the human brain, shedding light on the genetic factors involved in learning and memory.
synaptic remodelingNCAMC. elegansneural plasticitymolecular genetics
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the binding interactions between NCAM-1 and RIG-3.
AIM 02Explore the role of the NCAM-1/RIG-3 complex in presynaptic recycling.
AIM 03Analyze the contribution of actin cytoskeleton components in synaptic remodeling.
AIM 04Identify genetic pathways regulating synaptic activity through biochemical and structural analysis.
AIM 05Utilize C. elegans to reveal conserved mechanisms in synaptic plasticity.
Skills the Lab Values
single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)biochemical assayslive cell imaginggenetic manipulationprotein structure analysis
Output against the department
Publications151top 45% of dept.466th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations12ktop 30% of dept.306th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.