2026 GNAO1 Conference (Day 1, Session 9) - Gloria Brunori, PhD

A novel mouse model of GNAO1 disorder for therapeutic development Gloria Brunori, PhD University of Miami, USA GNAO1 disorder causes a range of neurological symptoms, including involuntary movements, developmental delay, and seizures, but it is still not well understood how mutations in the GNAO1 gene affect specific brain circuits to produce these diverse features. In this study, we used an innovative preclinical mouse model carrying the severe GNAO1 G203R mutation to examine its impact on neural circuits, identifying brain regions involved in movement abnormalities and seizures and revealing insight into the circuit-level basis of the disorder. Importantly, we found that caffeine can improve movement-related symptoms in the mouse model. Together, these findings help clarify how GNAO1 dysfunction affects the brain and support the development of more targeted therapies for individuals with GNAO1-related conditions. Gloria Brunori, PhD, is an Assistant Scientist in the Martemyanov Lab at the University of Miami. Her research focuses on how G protein signaling regulates brain function and how its disruption leads to neurological disorders. Using genetic tools and animal models, she studies the molecular and circuit-level mechanisms underlying disorders associated with G protein dysfunction, with a particular interest in movement and neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Through this work, she aims to uncover fundamental principles of neuronal signaling and identify potential avenues for therapeutic intervention in neurological conditions.