How a brain immune receptor (P2Y6) and calcium signals may drive epilepsy
Microglial P2Y6 receptor calcium signaling as a core regulator of epileptogenesis
This project looks at whether changing calcium signals through a microglial receptor called P2Y6 can reduce the brain changes after a prolonged seizure that lead to epilepsy for people at risk of developing epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178724 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use live imaging in mice to watch microglia, the brain’s immune cells, and how their calcium signals change after prolonged seizures. They will use two-photon microscopy and a special mouse line that shows microglial calcium activity and movement at the same time. The team will selectively kill neurons with optogenetics to mimic seizure-related damage and measure microglial phagocytosis driven by the P2Y6 receptor. Results aim to link P2Y6-driven calcium signaling to the processes that promote epilepsy development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have recently experienced prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) or are considered at high risk of developing epilepsy would be the most relevant group for future translation of these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with stable, long-standing epilepsy of purely genetic origin or those without any history of prolonged seizures are less likely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to prevent or reduce epilepsy after severe seizures.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have linked microglial signaling to epilepsy, but focusing on P2Y6 with live calcium imaging and optogenetic neuron injury is a relatively new and more detailed approach.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Umpierre, Anthony David — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Umpierre, Anthony David
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.