Deanna Smith

Dr. Deanna Smith is a tenured Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina's College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms governing neural cell function, particularly cytoplasmic dynein regulation by LIS1 and related proteins, and their impact on axonal transport - a critical process for neural circuit maintenance and nervous system health.

Research Interests:

• Investigating LIS1's role in dynein regulation
• Studying LIS1 missense mutations in cultured neurons
• Analyzing LIS1 depletion effects in mouse nervous systems
• Exploring mitochondrial transport in neural cells
• Elucidating dynein-NEDEL1 interactions

Scientific Publications (2022):

• LIS1 and NDEL1 Regulate Axonal Trafficking of Mitochondria in Mature Neurons
• Deacetylation of Miro1 by HDAC6 blocks mitochondrial transport
• Dimethyl Fumarate's Nrf2-independent effects on neurons

Laboratory & Collaborations:

• Smith Lab
• Collaborations with Twiss, Giger, and Schiavo laboratories