Investigating how brain injury affects neuron responses in epilepsy
The STAT3 Response of Excitatory Neurons to Epileptogenic Brain Injury
This study is looking at how a specific signaling pathway in the brain affects seizures and thinking skills after brain injuries that can cause temporal lobe epilepsy, with the hope of finding new treatments for people who haven't had success with current options.
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-11083066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in excitatory neurons following brain injuries that can lead to temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). By using a specialized animal model, the study aims to identify how inhibiting specific components of this pathway can reduce the frequency of seizures and improve cognitive function. The researchers are developing targeted therapies that could potentially modify the disease process in TLE patients who do not respond to existing treatments. This approach may lead to new strategies for preventing or reversing the progression of epilepsy symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy, particularly those who have not responded to current medical therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy caused by factors unrelated to the JAK/STAT pathway or those with other types of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce seizures and improve quality of life for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the JAK/STAT pathway for seizure reduction, indicating that this approach may be effective.
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.