Understanding epilepsy genetics in Mali
Genetics of Epilepsy in Mali (GENEP-Mali)
Researchers are collecting medical information and DNA from people with epilepsy in Mali while training local clinicians to better find and treat seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Sciences, Tech & Tech of Bamako NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bamako, Mali) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136916 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have epilepsy in Mali, this project asks for your medical history, interviews about how epilepsy affects your life, and a small DNA sample to help find genetic causes. Local health workers will get training so they can recognize and treat epilepsy more often and sooner. Samples will be sequenced to look for genes linked to specific seizure types, and promising genes will be studied in a small animal model to learn how they cause problems. Malian students will also receive hands-on training in DNA sequencing at a US partner site to build local capacity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in Mali who have epilepsy, especially those with early-onset, unexplained, or distinctive seizure types and who are willing to provide medical information and a DNA sample, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without epilepsy or those living outside the recruitment area in Mali are unlikely to benefit directly from this project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could improve local diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, uncover genetic causes relevant to Malian patients, and expand local skills to reduce the treatment gap.
How similar studies have performed: Similar DNA sequencing projects have identified epilepsy genes in other populations, but genetic research in sub-Saharan African groups is less common and more novel.
Where this research is happening
Bamako, Mali
- Univ of Sciences, Tech & Tech of Bamako — Bamako, Mali (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Landoure, Guida — Univ of Sciences, Tech & Tech of Bamako
- Study coordinator: Landoure, Guida
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.