How brain immune cells respond during seizures and anesthesia
How microglia sense and regulate neuronal activity in the adult brain
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11330562
This research looks at whether microglia, the brain's immune cells, change their calcium signals to help control neuron activity during seizures and during anesthesia in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11330562 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's viewpoint, the team watches microglia in real time using advanced two-photon imaging and experiments on live brain slices, combined with new genetic and virus-based tools to change microglial signaling. They create periods of high activity like seizures and low activity like anesthesia to see how microglia detect signals such as ATP and drops in norepinephrine. The focus is on microglial calcium pathways and how those intracellular responses change microglial interactions with neurons and overall brain circuits. Results are intended to reveal mechanisms by which microglia could limit seizure severity or alter network function under anesthesia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with epilepsy or seizure disorders and people concerned about anesthesia-related brain effects would be most likely to follow or join related future clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients looking for immediate treatment changes or those without neurological conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new biological targets to reduce seizure severity or protect brain circuits during anesthesia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies show microglia respond to ATP and can influence seizures, but the specific microglial calcium signaling pathways targeted here remain only partly understood and are less tested in vivo.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WU, LONG-JUN — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: WU, LONG-JUN
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.
Conditions: Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders