How the mTORC2 brain pathway affects seizures
Mechanism and role of mTORC2 in seizure reduction
This work looks at whether blocking a brain signaling complex called mTORC2 can lower seizures in people with epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238559 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study a brain pathway called mTORC2 that may drive abnormal brain firing linked to epilepsy, using lab models that mimic human seizures. They will change genes and use drug tools in animal models to see how turning mTORC2 up or down affects seizures. The team will map protein changes with phosphoproteomics and test a new selective mTORC2 inhibitor to understand how it reduces seizure activity. Insights from these experiments aim to point toward safer, more targeted treatments for people with epilepsy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with epilepsy—especially those with drug-resistant seizures or conditions tied to the mTOR pathway—would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose seizures arise from causes unrelated to mTOR signaling or who already respond well to current medications may be less likely to benefit from mTORC2-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce seizures more precisely and with fewer side effects than current drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that broadly target mTOR (like rapamycin) have helped in some mTOR-related epilepsies, but selective inhibition of mTORC2 is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chin, Jeannie — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Chin, Jeannie
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.