Molecular control of abnormal adult-born brain cells in epilepsy
Official title: Molecular control of aberrant adult-born granule cells in epilepsy
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-11380920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how new brain cells formed after a severe brain injury or seizure might contribute to epilepsy, with the goal of understanding how to prevent this mayhem in the hippocampus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $419,308 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124855-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with acquired brain injuries who are at risk for developing epilepsy, or individuals with epilepsy-related brain changes, for future translational considerations.
✕Less likely to help
People without a history of brain injury or epilepsy-related brain changes may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
After a serious brain injury or seizure, the hippocampus changes how new brain cells are created, sometimes producing abnormal cells that could drive epilepsy. The study will look at the molecular signals and cell activity that lead to these aberrant cells and identify which neuronal inputs influence them. By using animal models and human-relevant data, the team aims to uncover targets that could be modulated to reduce epileptic outcomes. The research builds on prior work showing that altering immature new neurons affects epilepsy risk, and will expand to test mechanisms and pathways in more detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to prevent or lessen epilepsy after brain injury by correcting abnormal brain-cell development.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies indicate that modifying new neuron activity can influence epilepsy development, supporting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsieh, Jenny — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Hsieh, Jenny
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Closed-loop control of interneuron timing to influence seizures and memory in epilepsy
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-
Epilepsy Data Ecosystem: A Big-Data Sharing Platform for Better Care
A national effort to collect and share large, multi‑modal brain data from people with medication‑resistant epilepsy to speed discoveries and improve treatment options.
-
Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
-
New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
-
Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.