Understanding brain cell changes in children with drug-resistant epilepsy
Official title: Deciphering brain mosaicism in drug-resistant epilepsy at cellular resolution
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11004033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in brain cells might cause epilepsy in children that doesn't respond to usual treatments, with the hope of finding better ways to diagnose and treat these kids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $552,546 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129784-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have been diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have epilepsy or whose condition is not related to malformations of cortical development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex changes in brain cells that contribute to drug-resistant epilepsy in children. By focusing on somatic mosaicism, which involves genetic variations in specific brain cells, the study aims to improve detection methods for these variants and understand their effects on brain function. The researchers will analyze how these genetic changes occur in different cell types and their implications for developing targeted therapies. Ultimately, the goal is to translate these findings into better diagnostic and treatment options for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for children suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding somatic mosaicism and its implications for neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bedrosian, Tracy Ann — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Bedrosian, Tracy Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Single-pulse brain stimulation to improve epilepsy surgery outcomes
A new approach uses single-pulse electrical stimulation to better locate seizure-causing brain regions before epilepsy surgery, with the goal of improving chances of seizure freedom.
-
New MRI markers to find seizure zones in hard-to-treat epilepsy
Aims to use advanced MRI measures of brain stiffness and blood flow to better locate seizure regions in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
-
Mapping hidden brain cell changes in drug-resistant epilepsy
This project looks for tiny genetic changes in brain cells of children with drug-resistant epilepsy caused by brain malformations to help guide better diagnosis and treatments.
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Finding seizure-causing brain regions in drug-resistant epilepsy using computer models
This project uses computer models of brain activity to help doctors find the areas that start seizures in people whose epilepsy does not respond to medicines.
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Noninvasive brain mapping to find seizure networks in children with hard-to-treat epilepsy
This project uses noninvasive brain recordings and connectivity maps to help locate seizure-causing networks in children whose epilepsy does not respond to medication.
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Closed-loop implant to target seizure-related high-frequency brain waves in drug-resistant epilepsy
An implantable device will try to find and interrupt seizure-related high-frequency brain waves in people whose seizures don't respond to medicines.
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.