Rate My Professor Manuel Miranda-Arango

Dr. Miranda-Arango's research specializes in the neuroscience of neuronal glycine and dopamine transporters, focusing on their localization, regulation, trafficking pathways, and the organization of neurons expressing these transporters in the brain. His laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms regulating glycine transporter activity, glycinergic neurotransmission efficacy, endocytosis, and posttranslational modifications, using biochemical approaches, microscopy imaging, fluorescent tracers, and viruses. Studies have identified glycinergic circuits in the brainstem, forebrain, and a novel circuit in the basal ganglia involved in voluntary movements, emotion, vision, and memory. In 2020, he led a $1.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to characterize glycinergic neurons modulating basal ganglia functions. Key publications include "Early-life adversity increases anxiety-like behavior and modifies synaptic protein expression in a region-specific manner" (Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2022), "Identification of amacrine neurons with a glycinergic and GABAergic phenotype" (Medical Research Archives, 2022), "The beta-gamma subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins interacts with actin filaments during neuronal differentiation" (Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2021), and "Discovery of GlyT2 Inhibitors Using Structure-Based Virtual Screening" (ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2019). He has received awards such as Best Poster Presentation at the UTEP Bioscience Doctoral Program Symposium (2023), NSF-Bridge to the Doctorate (2018), and HHMI short course awards (2018, 2016).