Understanding how brain stimulation affects gene activity in humans
Deciphering the genomic mechanisms underlying the physiology of human brain stimulation
This study is looking at how brain stimulation affects the genes in brain tissue from patients having surgery for epilepsy, to better understand how it might help with memory and brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10559426 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of brain stimulation on gene expression by conducting experiments with human neural tissue obtained from neurosurgical patients. The team will utilize advanced techniques such as single nuclei RNA-sequencing and ATAC-sequencing to analyze how stimulation influences neural circuits and memory formation. By examining changes at the genetic level, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that underlie the physiological effects of brain stimulation. This work is particularly focused on patients undergoing temporal lobectomy, allowing for direct observation of brain tissue responses to stimulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are neurosurgical patients undergoing procedures like temporal lobectomy who are willing to provide neural tissue samples.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing neurosurgical procedures or those with conditions unrelated to brain stimulation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive disorders and enhance our understanding of memory formation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gene expression changes related to brain stimulation, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lega, Bradley C — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lega, Bradley C
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.