Stress-related brain signals that may raise SUDEP risk
CRH Dysregulation of Brainstem Autonomic Circuits Increases SUDEP Risk
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11238939
This project looks at whether overactive stress neurons in the brain cause dangerous breathing and heart problems in people with epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238939 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have epilepsy, this work looks at whether overactive stress circuits in the brain make breathing or heart control fail after seizures. The team will use genetically modified mice and modern tools to turn specific CRH stress neurons on or off while measuring breathing, heart rhythms, and brain activity, and will compare those findings with hormone and tissue data from people who died of SUDEP. They focus on a pathway from the hypothalamus to brainstem autonomic centers that controls cardiorespiratory responses to stress. Results could point to ways to identify people at higher risk or to targets for treatments that protect breathing and heart function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with epilepsy—especially those with frequent or generalized seizures, strong stress responses, or signs of autonomic dysfunction—who can share clinical data or samples.
Not a fit: People without epilepsy or whose seizures are clearly unrelated to autonomic or stress-circuit dysfunction are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: May identify a stress-related brain pathway that could be targeted to lower SUDEP risk in people with epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary mouse experiments and human postmortem hormone findings support the idea, but applying these circuit-level findings to prevent SUDEP in people is still a new approach.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAGUIRE, JAMIE LYNN — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: MAGUIRE, JAMIE LYNN
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 below.