Understanding how brain signaling affects epilepsy in children
Official title: Translational control in focal cortical malformations and epilepsy
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11105074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific brain condition in kids, called focal cortical dysplasia type II, affects their brain development and causes hard-to-treat seizures, with the hope of finding new ways to help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS142029-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with focal cortical dysplasia type II and experiencing seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy not related to focal cortical dysplasia or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII), a condition in children that leads to brain malformations and seizures resistant to treatment. The study focuses on the mTOR signaling pathway and its role in abnormal brain development and seizure activity. By examining how specific proteins regulate the translation of important mRNAs, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these brain abnormalities and their impact on epilepsy. This could lead to new insights into potential treatments for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for children suffering from epilepsy caused by focal cortical dysplasia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mTOR signaling in epilepsy, but the specific approach of this study is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Lena — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Lena
Related research
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-
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New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
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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.