Creating a rabbit model to study epilepsy and related heart conditions
Official title: Development of a Genetic Rabbit Model of Kcnh2-Mediated Epilepsy, SUDEP, & Long QT Syndrome Type 2
Funded at Upstate Medical University · NIH-11235977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special type of rabbit to help us understand how certain genetic factors can lead to epilepsy and heart problems, so we can find safer treatments for people at risk of seizures and sudden death related to these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Upstate Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $405,611 |
| NIH project number | 4R33NS133273-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235977 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Kcnh2-mediated epilepsy or Long QT Syndrome Type 2, particularly those with a family history of these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without genetic variants linked to Kcnh2-mediated epilepsy or those who do not have epilepsy or Long QT Syndrome may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a genetic rabbit model to better understand the relationship between Kcnh2-mediated epilepsy, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and Long QT Syndrome Type 2 (LQT2). By using advanced gene-editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, researchers aim to create a model that accurately reflects the human condition, which is crucial for testing new anti-seizure medications. The goal is to address the significant risk of seizures and cardiac issues in patients with these genetic variants, ultimately leading to safer treatment options. This model will help bridge the gap between current animal studies and human clinical outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer and more effective anti-seizure medications for patients with Kcnh2-mediated epilepsy and related cardiac conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on epilepsy and cardiac conditions, this specific approach using a rabbit model for Kcnh2-mediated conditions is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Auerbach, David Scott — Upstate Medical University
- Study coordinator: Auerbach, David Scott
Related research
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A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
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New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
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Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.