Understanding brain activity in temporal lobe epilepsy
Official title: Multipopulation voltage imaging for network insights in temporal lobe epilepsy
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10823933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how brain cells in a specific area of the brain work together during seizures in mice with epilepsy, hoping to learn more about what causes these seizures and find better treatments for people with epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $426,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135784-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy, particularly those experiencing frequent seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of epilepsy or those who do not have epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different types of brain cells in the hippocampus interact during episodes of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). By using advanced voltage imaging techniques in awake mice with chronic epilepsy, the study aims to observe brain activity patterns during various states, including seizure and non-seizure periods. This approach allows researchers to gain insights into the mechanisms that trigger seizures and how brain networks function in this disorder. The findings could lead to new treatment options for patients with epilepsy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study brain activity in epilepsy, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krook-Magnuson, Esther — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Krook-Magnuson, Esther
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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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
A study tests a brain-quieting system that uses light to precisely time certain brain cells in epilepsy-prone mice to see if this can lessen seizures and improve memory.
-
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.