Investigating the role of microglial IGF1 in the development of epilepsy
Official title: Microglial IGF1 in epileptogenesis
Funded at Albany Medical College · NIH-11131892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called microglia might play a role in causing epilepsy by affecting a specific signaling pathway, and it aims to find new ways to help prevent seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $376,355 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS138405-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of neurological insults or genetic predispositions that may lead to epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy caused solely by factors unrelated to mTOR signaling or microglial activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how microglial cells, a type of immune cell in the brain, contribute to the development of epilepsy, particularly through the activation of a signaling pathway known as mTOR. The study aims to explore how elevated mTOR activity in microglia affects the expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) and its potential role in promoting epileptic seizures. By using animal models, researchers will investigate the mechanisms by which microglial signaling influences neuronal activity and seizure development, providing insights into new therapeutic targets for epilepsy prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the severity of epilepsy in patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of microglia in epilepsy is underexplored, preliminary findings suggest that targeting the mTOR/IGF1 pathway may offer new avenues for treatment, indicating a novel approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany Medical College
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Yunfei — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Huang, Yunfei
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.