Creating a rabbit model to study Dravet Syndrome and its heart-related risks.
Official title: Development and Validation of a Transgenic Rabbit Model of Dravet Syndrome
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11235978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating special rabbits to help us learn more about Dravet Syndrome, a serious type of epilepsy, so we can better understand how heart problems might relate to seizures and find better treatments for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $365,703 |
| NIH project number | 4R33NS130070-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, particularly those experiencing severe seizures and at risk for SUDEP.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Dravet Syndrome or those who do not experience seizures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a transgenic rabbit model to better understand Dravet Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that can lead to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). By using rabbits, which have cardiac action potentials similar to humans, researchers aim to investigate the role of cardiac arrhythmias alongside seizures in SUDEP. The study will involve genetic modifications to create a model that accurately reflects the human condition, allowing for more effective testing of potential treatments and interventions. This approach aims to bridge the gap between existing mouse models and human patients, providing insights that could lead to improved patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for SUDEP in patients with Dravet Syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful studies using mouse models for epilepsy, this approach using a rabbit model is relatively novel and aims to provide more relevant insights for human conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Isom, Lori L. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Isom, Lori L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Expanding genetic testing for cancer risk in patients and families
This study is working to make it easier for cancer patients in Michigan to get genetic testing for cancer risk by improving how doctors gather family history and assess genetic risks, so that more people can receive the important evaluations they need.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Why the retina can sometimes heal itself and how we might help it heal
This NIH grant explores how inflammation and neural cells interact in the zebrafish retina to understand retinal neuron death and regeneration, with potential implications for human vision.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Understanding how work exposures and genes influence ALS risk
A study is building a long-term group of people at higher risk for ALS to see how their jobs, exposures at work, and genes together affect if and when the disease might develop.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
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.