Karen A. Litwa, Ph.D.

Research

Our lab is interested in the developing brain. We research how the brain builds connections between neurons. These connections between neurons are known as synapses. Synapses mediate information transfer in the brain that is necessary for cognitive functions, such as learning and memory. Synapse formation is altered in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. In spite of the critical importance of synapses for brain function, we still don’t know the precise mechanisms by which synapses form in the developing brain. To address how synapses form, we use a variety of techniques to both visualize and manipulate synapse formation and function. These techniques include human brain modeling, CRISPR transcriptional manipulation, advanced microscopy, and functional assays, such as microelectrode arrays for recording information transfer between synapses. Through the use of these techniques, our research is elucidating the molecular mechanisms responsible for synapse formation in mammalian brain development and how genetic mutations and environmental factors alter synapse formation and disrupt developing neural circuits.

Selected Publications

Tate K, Kirk B, Tseng A, Ulffers A, Karen Litwa. Effects of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Fluoxetine on Developing Neural Circuits in a Model of the Human Fetal Cortex. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Sep 28;22(19). doi: 10.3390/ijms221910457. PubMed PMID: 34638815

Wilson ES, Karen Litwa. Synaptic Hyaluronan Synthesis and CD44-Mediated Signaling Coordinate Neural Circuit Development. Cells. 2021 Sep 28;10(10). doi: 10.3390/cells10102574. PubMed PMID: 34685554

Papariello, A., D. Taylor, K. Soderstrom, and Karen Newell-Litwa. 2021. CB1 antagonism increases excitatory synaptogenesis in a cortical spheroid model of fetal brain development. Sci. Rep. 11:9356. PMID: 33931678

Wilson, E., Knudson, W., and Karen Newell-Litwa. 2020. Hyaluronan regulates synapse formation and function in developing neural networks. Sci Rep. 10:16459. PMID: 33020512

Wilson, E., Rudisill, T., Kirk, B., Johnson, C., Kemper, P., and Karen Newell-Litwa. 2020. Cytoskeletal regulation of synaptogenesis in a model of human fetal brain development. J. Neurosci. Res. 98(11):2148-2165. PMID: 32713041

Bott, C.J., C.G. Johnson, C.C. Yap, N.D. Dwyer, K.A. Litwa, and B. Winckler. 2019. Nestin in immature embryonic neurons affects axon growth cone morphology and semaphorin3a sensitivity. Mol. Biol. Cell. 30(10):1214-1229. PMID: 30840538

Wilson, E.S. and K. Newell-Litwa. 2018. Stem cell models of human synapse development and degeneration. Mol. Biol. Cell. 29(24): 2913-2921. PMID: 30475098

Harbom, L.J., T.L. Rudisill, N. Michel, K.A. Litwa, M.P. Beenhakker, and M.J. McConnell. 2019. The effect of rho kinase inhibition on morphological and electrophysiological maturity in iPSC-derived neurons. Cell Tissue Res. 375(3):641-654. PMID: 30406823

Martin-Vilchez, S., L. Whitmore, H. Asmussen, J. Zareno, R. Horwitz, and K. Newell-Litwa. 2017. RhoGTPase regulators orchestrate distinct stages of synaptic development. PLoS One 12: e0170464. PMID: 28114311

View PubMed Publications for further listings

Current Funding

“The Neuroprotective Effects of Sulforaphane in VPA-Induced Models of Autism” (NIH R21AT011371); Karen Litwa, Contact Principal Investigator; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; 02/01/2022-01/31/2024.

“CAREER: Uncovering Mechanisms of Filopodia-Based Synaptogenesis” (NSF 2144912); Karen Litwa, Principal Investigator; Division of Integrative Organismal Systems; 07/15/2022-06/30/2027.

Staff and Students

Location: ECHI 4111 Phone: 252-744-3671

Former Students and Post-Doctoral Fellows

*Last known current position