Investigating brain circuit dysfunction in a model of childhood epilepsy
Official title: Neocortical and Hippocampal Circuit Dysfunction in the KCNT1 Model of Epilepsy
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-11056387 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene related to epilepsy might affect brain activity during seizures and learning, using mice to help find better ways to manage epilepsy and improve thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $207,387 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS133670-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056387 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children with epilepsy linked to KCNT1 gene variants or similar developmental seizure disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without KCNT1 gene variants or those with other unrelated forms of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how genetic variants in the KCNT1 gene affect brain circuits involved in epilepsy and cognitive function. Using a mouse model, the study will explore the activity of specific types of brain cells during seizures and learning tasks. By employing advanced techniques like high-density electrophysiology and optogenetics, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind altered brain activity in epilepsy. This could lead to insights into how to better manage or treat epilepsy and related cognitive deficits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for childhood epilepsy and associated cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding epilepsy mechanisms through similar electrophysiological approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barry, Jeremy Michael — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Barry, Jeremy Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Closed-loop control of interneuron timing to influence seizures and memory in epilepsy
A study tests a brain-quieting system that uses light to precisely time certain brain cells in epilepsy-prone mice to see if this can lessen seizures and improve memory.
-
Epilepsy Data Ecosystem: A Big-Data Sharing Platform for Better Care
A national effort to collect and share large, multi‑modal brain data from people with medication‑resistant epilepsy to speed discoveries and improve treatment options.
-
Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
-
New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
-
Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.