Investigating how citrate levels affect brain activity in a specific type of epilepsy
Official title: Effect of Extracellular Citrate on Neuronal Excitability in SLC13A5 Epilepsy
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11069700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high levels of a substance called citrate affect brain activity and seizures in babies with SLC13A5 Epilepsy, hoping to find new ways to help manage their seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30NS141502-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with SLC13A5 Epilepsy or those exhibiting symptoms of developmental epileptic encephalopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy not caused by SLC13A5 mutations or those with other forms of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on SLC13A5 Epilepsy, a genetic condition that causes severe seizures shortly after birth due to mutations in the SLC13A5 gene. The study aims to understand how elevated levels of citrate, a substance that the brain and liver produce, influence neuronal activity and contribute to seizures. By using mouse models, researchers will explore the relationship between citrate levels and brain excitability, which could provide insights into the mechanisms behind this form of epilepsy. The findings may help identify potential therapeutic targets for managing seizures in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for managing seizures in patients with SLC13A5 Epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown that understanding metabolic influences on neuronal excitability can lead to significant advancements in epilepsy treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Alice S — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Lin, Alice S
Related research
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Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
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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.