Dr. Laura DeNardo
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Dr. Laura DeNardo, an associate professor at UCLA, shares her journey from an undecided college student to a leading neuroscientist studying the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) in mice. Her path began with a transformative class at UC Berkeley, sparking her interest in neuroscience, which led her to pursue a PhD at UC San Diego. There, she investigated leucine-rich repeat proteins that guide synaptic wiring specificity during development. Her postdoc at Stanford expanded her focus to the MPFC, where she pioneered the use of the TRAP2 mouse model to track memory engrams over time, revealing that memory traces dynamically recruit new neurons rather than relying on a static ensemble. This work, combined with viral tracing and whole-brain mapping, revealed how functional connectivity shifts from subcortical to cortical networks during systems consolidation. Her lab now studies complex behaviors like threat avoidance and collaborates with her husband, Dr. Scott Wilk, to explore how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) restores circuit function in stress-related disorders. Dr. DeNardo also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community, and resilience, particularly during the pandemic and funding crises, drawing strength from a nationwide network of women in neuroscience.
Memory traces in the prefrontal cortex are dynamic—new neurons are continuously recruited over time, supporting long-term memory consolidation.
The TRAP2 mouse model enables permanent genetic labeling of neurons active during experiences, allowing researchers to track memory engrams across weeks.
Chronic stress alters synaptic connectivity in specific excitatory cortical neurons in the MPFC, and TMS can selectively restore these connections.
Effective mentorship involves understanding individual strengths, fostering collaboration, and creating systems that support both personal and professional growth.
A strong peer support network of women in neuroscience provides emotional resilience and practical advice during career challenges.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Origins in Neuroscience
Melissa Franch introduces Dr. Laura DeNardo and sets the stage for her story, highlighting her journey from art and math to neuroscience, sparked by a transformative class at UC Berkeley.
Graduate School and the Discovery of Synaptic Wiring Mechanisms
“The brain can sort of repeatedly use these molecules in different combinations to build circuits with very specific properties.”
Postdoctoral Breakthroughs: Connectogenetics and the MPFC
“I was like, oh my God, this, these cells receive input from like a hundred different regions. Whoa.”
Memory Engrams and the Dynamic Nature of Long-Term Memory
“Only a small subset of those original neurons remain involved and a bunch of new ones are recruited to the memory trace over time.”
Translational Research and the TMS Collaboration
“Activity in those cells actually required for the therapeutic effects of TMS. So you can dial down their activity during TMS and you don't get the same behavioral rescue.”
“Activity in those cells actually required for the therapeutic effects of TMS. So you can dial down their activity during TMS and you don't get the same behavioral rescue.”
“I was like, oh my God, this, these cells receive input from like a hundred different regions. Whoa.”
“Only a small subset of those original neurons remain involved and a bunch of new ones are recruited to the memory trace over time.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Laura DeNardo
person
Medial Prefrontal Cortex
other
Melissa Franch
person
University of California, Los Angeles
organization
TRAP2 Mouse
product
UC San Diego
organization
Dr. Scott Wilk
person
Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins
other
Stanford University
organization
TMS
product
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