How protein production affects cortical malformations and epilepsy in children
Translational control in focal cortical malformations and epilepsy
This work will see if a protein-control pathway called MNK–eIF4E changes which genes get turned into proteins in the developing brain and leads to hard-to-treat seizures in children with focal cortical dysplasia type II.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team will study brain cells linked to FCDII to find which messages (mRNAs) are being over-made into proteins by the MNK–eIF4E pathway. They will use cell-type specific 'translatome' profiling to watch protein-making in different brain cell types, biochemical tests to measure protein modifications, and laboratory models that mimic cortical malformations. The researchers will compare affected tissue and models to find molecular changes that make brain circuits hyperexcitable and prone to seizures. Their methods aim to connect specific changes in protein production to the abnormal brain development seen in FCDII.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to children diagnosed with focal cortical dysplasia type II or families of children with drug-resistant focal seizures who are interested in research that could inform future therapies.
Not a fit: People with epilepsy from unrelated causes (for example, generalized genetic epilepsies) or adults with non-FCD brain lesions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new drug targets or strategies to prevent or reduce the seizures and brain malformations that affect children with FCDII.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mTOR and 4E-BP–eIF4E dysregulation contribute to FCDII, so this project builds on established findings while testing the less-studied MNK–eIF4E pathway.
Where this research is happening
Richardson, United States
- University of Texas Dallas — Richardson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Lena — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Lena
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.