Role of a brain region in epileptic seizures and SUDEP risk
Official title: The Role of the Ventromedial Nucleus of the Hypothalamus in Epileptogenesis
Funded at University of New England · NIH-11330450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in preclinical models explores how a specific brain area called the VMH may drive seizure spread and potentially SUDEP, which could lead to new targets to prevent severe seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $142,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS140309-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with epilepsy or SUDEP risk in the context of future translational studies; this grant is preclinical, so direct patient participation is not anticipated.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without epilepsy are not expected to benefit directly from this preclinical study.
What this research studies
Researchers are using animal models to map how seizure activity travels from forebrain networks to brainstem areas that control heart and breathing. They focus on the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) and test what happens when a key glutamate transport gene in that region is deleted. The findings aim to show whether blocking this pathway can stop seizures from reaching brainstem centers. If successful, this work could reveal new strategies to prevent dangerous progression and death from epilepsy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify brain targets to prevent seizure spread and reduce SUDEP risk in people with epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown that specific brain regions can influence seizure propagation, but this work explores a novel VMH pathway with potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferland, Russell James — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Ferland, Russell James
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.