Yelyzaveta Miller-Michlits, MSc

I am a molecular biologist and PhD candidate at the Medical University of Innsbruck, working at the intersection of experimental neuroscience and computational biology. Building on my previous work developing in vitro models for drug response assessment and profiling the skin microenvironment, I now combine high-resolution spatial transcriptomics, multiplexed proteomics, and advanced tissue-based methods such as tumor slice cultures and high-dimensional immunofluorescence to investigate molecular mechanisms of disease.

My research focuses on:

Spatial profiling of the skin in post-COVID small fiber neuropathy (SFN): I investigate glial-immune interactions, axonal damage, and neurovascular changes at subcellular resolution, aiming to better understand chronic sensory dysfunction in post-viral conditions. This research could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for these disorders.

Biomarker discovery in prodromal synucleinopathies: Another central aspect of my work is identifying phosphorylated α-synuclein and other early biomarkers in skin biopsies from individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a condition that may progress to Parkinson’s disease or related neurodegenerative disorders. I explore how these early molecular changes in the skin could serve as diagnostic markers.

Spatial and genomic modeling of glioblastoma: By combining deep whole-exome sequencing, 3D multisampling, and spatial transcriptomics, I examine how molecular heterogeneity and cell–cell interactions contribute to tumor evolution and progression. A key focus is analyzing clonal divergence and changes in cellular composition at recurrence, and how these relate to imaging features and clinical outcomes in high-grade gliomas. I collaborate closely with national and international teams, including the Center for Brain Research (Vienna) and Korea University College of Medicine (Seoul). These collaborations foster interdisciplinary exchange, methodological development, and joint exploration of shared scientific questions.

I collaborate closely with national and international teams, including the Center for Brain Research (Vienna) and Korea University College of Medicine (Seoul). These collaborations foster interdisciplinary exchange, methodological development, and joint exploration of shared scientific questions.