Understanding epilepsy in baboons to improve treatments for humans
Official title: Preclinical Modeling of Neural Regulatory Networks in Baboon Epilepsy
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-11168260 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at genetic generalized epilepsies by using baboons to help us understand the condition better, so we can create more accurate models that reflect how epilepsy affects people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $582,656 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS135399-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168260 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic generalized epilepsy who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy that is not genetically generalized or those who have well-controlled seizures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE) using baboons as a model to better understand the condition that affects many adults. By studying the genetic and molecular characteristics of epilepsy in baboons, the researchers aim to develop a more accurate in vitro model that mimics human epilepsy. This approach is significant because traditional rodent models do not adequately represent the complexities of human epilepsy. The study will utilize advanced techniques, including induced pluripotent stem cells, to create cerebral organoids that reflect the molecular signatures of epilepsy seen in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective anti-seizure medications for patients with epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: While research using rodent models has been common, this approach using baboons is novel and aims to fill a critical gap in epilepsy research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carless, Melanie — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Carless, Melanie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
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.