Understanding how brain cells affect memory in epilepsy
Official title: Cellular Mediators of Dentate Pattern Separation in Epilepsy
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-10928121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain important for memory work together in people with temporal lobe epilepsy, to better understand how problems with these cells might affect memory and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,055 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS131052-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy who experience memory and cognitive difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy types other than temporal lobe epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific brain cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and cognitive function, particularly in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The study focuses on how different types of interneurons interact and contribute to a process called pattern separation, which helps the brain distinguish between similar experiences. By examining the molecular and connectivity profiles of these cells, the research aims to uncover how disruptions in their function may lead to cognitive deficits in epilepsy patients. This could involve advanced techniques to analyze brain cell activity and communication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for memory and cognitive impairments associated with epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain cell interactions in epilepsy, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Andrew — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Huang, Andrew
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.