How STAT3 in excitatory brain cells responds after an injury that can lead to epilepsy
The STAT3 Response of Excitatory Neurons to Epileptogenic Brain Injury
Looks at whether turning off a signaling protein called STAT3 in certain brain cells after injury can prevent or reduce development of temporal lobe epilepsy for people who get seizures after brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323895 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team uses laboratory models of acquired brain injury that produce temporal lobe epilepsy to see how the STAT3 pathway in excitatory neurons drives seizure-related changes. They use a genetically modified line where STAT3 signaling can be specifically disabled in excitatory neurons and compare outcomes after an epileptogenic insult. The researchers measure seizure occurrence, circuit remodeling in the hippocampus, and molecular signals linked to inflammation and synaptic change. The goal is to identify cell-specific mechanisms that point to safer, more targeted treatments than blocking STAT3 everywhere in the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Those most relevant to the aims are people who have experienced a recent severe brain injury or status epilepticus and are at elevated risk of developing temporal lobe epilepsy.
Not a fit: Patients with genetic epilepsies unrelated to acquired brain injury or those whose seizures are already well controlled by current medications are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to targeted therapies that prevent or slow progression of temporal lobe epilepsy and reduce the number of patients with drug-resistant seizures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal work found that a STAT3 inhibitor (WP1066) could greatly reduce spontaneous seizures, but selectively disabling STAT3 in excitatory neurons is a newer, preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Russek, Shelley J — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Russek, Shelley J
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.