Brain circuits that trigger and stop seizures
Official title: Neural circuit mechanisms controlling seizures
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11261752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using light-based labeling and control in animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy, researchers hope to find a small group of hippocampal cells that start seizures and stop them to help people with hard-to-control seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS121399-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11261752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with temporal lobe epilepsy whose seizures are not controlled by medication and who are interested in emerging targeted brain treatments.
✕Less likely to help
People with non–temporal-lobe epilepsy, children, or those whose seizures are well controlled on current medications are less likely to benefit directly from this animal-focused work.
What this research studies
The team uses a molecular tool that couples light with calcium signals to tag cells that are active during brief windows, combined with a closed-loop system that detects seizures and delivers light. Early work found a distinct cluster of hippocampal cells that become active during seizures and interictal events. Researchers will test two models of temporal lobe epilepsy — a focal genetic knockout model and an intrahippocampal kainate model — to see how that cell ensemble contributes to chronic seizures. They will then try optogenetic inhibition of those cells during seizures to determine if silencing them can control seizure activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to therapies that target the specific brain cells causing seizures and reduce seizures with fewer systemic side effects than current drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Related preclinical studies using optogenetics and activity-tagging have reduced seizures in animal models, but these approaches remain unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Quynh Anh — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Quynh Anh
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.