Investigating how early seizures may lead to autism-like behaviors
Official title: Signaling mechanisms underlying epilepsy and autism comorbidity
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-10358673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early life seizures might lead to behaviors like autism, using mice to see how different treatments can help improve brain function and behavior, which could eventually help kids who have seizures when they’re young.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $343,235 |
| NIH project number | 2R15NS088776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10358673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children who have experienced seizures during the neonatal period and may show signs of autism-like behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life seizures or do not exhibit any behavioral impairments related to autism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between seizures that occur in early life and the development of behaviors similar to autism. By using a mouse model, the study will induce seizures and then administer treatments to observe their effects on brain signaling pathways and inflammatory processes. The goal is to understand how these factors contribute to cognitive and behavioral impairments. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for children who experience seizures early in life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for children with epilepsy and autism comorbidity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of epilepsy and its comorbidities, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lugo, Joaquin N — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Lugo, Joaquin N
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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.