How mitochondria cause astrocyte scarring in epilepsy
Mitochondrial Mechanisms of Astrogliosis in Epilesy
This project looks at whether harmful molecules from damaged mitochondria in neurons make support cells called astrocytes become chronically inflamed and contribute to epilepsy after brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11378217 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is trying to find out if tiny toxic molecules made by damaged mitochondria inside neurons can make nearby support cells called astrocytes go into a long-lasting inflamed or scarred state. They will use lab-grown cells and mouse models that lack a key mitochondrial antioxidant to mimic mitochondrial oxidative stress and watch astrocyte activity using two-photon imaging. The researchers will analyze chemical changes in the astrocyte protein GFAP using mass spectrometry and mitochondria-targeted models. They will also test whether these mitochondrial changes lead to seizures or memory problems in chemical models of epilepsy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with acquired brain injury or acquired epilepsy who are willing to donate samples or take part in future clinical follow-up would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with purely genetic forms of epilepsy or those without a history of acquired brain injury may be less likely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new metabolism-based treatments that prevent or reduce astrocyte-driven inflammation and help people with acquired epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has linked neuroinflammation to epilepsy, but the specific idea that neuron-derived mitochondrial ROS trigger astrocyte scarring is relatively new and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Manisha N — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Patel, Manisha N
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.