Creating a zebrafish model to explore treatments for absence epilepsy
Developing a Zebrafish Model of Slc6a1/GAT1 Hypofunction and an In Vitro Assay to Identify Novel Treatments
This study is looking at how a protein called GAT1 affects absence epilepsy, a type of seizure disorder, using zebrafish to learn more about it and find new treatments that could help people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10865114 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, GAT1, in absence epilepsy, a common seizure disorder. By developing a zebrafish model, researchers aim to better understand how deficiencies in GAT1 function contribute to this condition. The study will also utilize a new laboratory assay to identify potential treatments that can enhance GAT1 function. This approach could lead to targeted therapies for patients suffering from absence epilepsy and related disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with absence epilepsy or myoclonic astatic epilepsy, particularly those with a known genetic mutation in the SLC6A1 gene.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy not related to GAT1 hypofunction or those with other types of seizure disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for patients with absence epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of zebrafish models in epilepsy research is established, the specific approach of targeting GAT1 hypofunction is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgraw, Christopher — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mcgraw, Christopher
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 below.