Microglia-produced IGF1 and the development of epilepsy
Official title: Microglial IGF1 in Epileptogenesis
Funded at Albany Medical College · NIH-11333061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether IGF1 made by brain immune cells (microglia) helps drive epilepsy in people with genetic or acquired forms of the condition.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $376,355 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS138405-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with epilepsy linked to mTOR pathway mutations (for example tuberous sclerosis) or those whose epilepsy began after a brain injury or prolonged seizures would be most relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose seizures arise from causes unrelated to mTOR signaling or from structural brain lesions not driven by inflammation or mTOR may not benefit directly from these findings.
What this research studies
From the patient's perspective, scientists will use laboratory models that mimic high mTOR activity—a known driver of some epilepsies—to see how microglia behave. They will measure IGF1 levels produced by microglia and test whether changing microglial mTOR or IGF1 alters seizure activity and signaling in neurons and astrocytes. Experiments will include genetic and pharmacologic tools in animal and cellular models to trace how microglial signals spread through the brain. The goal is to link a specific microglial pathway to the emergence of spontaneous seizures and brain changes that underlie epileptogenesis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to prevent or treat epilepsy by targeting microglial IGF1 or its mTOR-related signaling pathway.
How similar studies have gone: mTOR-targeting therapies have helped some epilepsy types, but the idea that microglial IGF1 specifically drives epileptogenesis is a newer, largely preclinical finding.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany Medical College
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Yunfei — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Huang, Yunfei
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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.