Understanding how brain malformations lead to seizures in children
Official title: Getting Excited about Cortical Malformations: Discovering the Mechanisms Leading to Seizure-prone Neurons in Malformations of Cortical Development
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11002298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain growth issues in kids, like focal cortical dysplasia and tuberous sclerosis, can cause seizures, and it aims to find out how a specific pathway in the brain might help us discover better treatments for these children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $205,132 |
| NIH project number | 5K08NS131572-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002298 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 malformations of cortical development and experience intractable epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy not caused by malformations of cortical development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind seizures in children with malformations of cortical development (MCDs), such as focal cortical dysplasia and tuberous sclerosis complex. By studying the role of the mTOR signaling pathway, the researchers aim to understand how this pathway contributes to the growth of neurons that can lead to epilepsy. The study will utilize advanced techniques, including 3D reconstruction of neurons and calcium imaging, to analyze brain tissue from both mice and humans. The goal is to identify specific cellular changes that could inform new treatment strategies for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that significantly reduce or eliminate seizures in children with cortical malformations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mTOR signaling in epilepsy, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alexander, Allyson Laura — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Alexander, Allyson Laura
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.