Understanding how certain signals in the brain can reduce seizures
Official title: Molecular Pathways that Strengthen GABAergic Inhibition and Reduce Seizure Susceptibility
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11128844 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific signaling pathway in the brain affects nerve cell activity, especially in people with epilepsy, to find new ways to improve brain function and reduce seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $515,889 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS138758-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128844 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who experience epilepsy or related neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with seizure disorders that are not responsive to GABAergic modulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of FLT3 signaling in regulating neuronal function and excitability in both healthy and epileptic brains. By focusing on the chloride transporter KCC2, which is crucial for GABAergic inhibition, the study aims to identify new drug interventions that can enhance this inhibition and potentially reduce seizure susceptibility. The approach includes using specialized mouse models to explore the effects of FLT3 on neuronal signaling and its implications for brain disorders. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel treatments for epilepsy and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce seizure occurrences in patients with epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing GABAergic inhibition through targeted signaling pathways, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Xin — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tang, Xin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting the brain’s fluid system to treat post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus
This grant explores a new approach to treating post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus by studying how the brain’s fluid system and immune cells manage CSF after a brain bleed.
-
National Spina Bifida Patient Registry at Boston Children’s Hospital
A patient-focused registry project at Boston Children’s Hospital will collect and study information from people with spina bifida to improve care and outcomes.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry for Patients
A patient-facing registry that tracks severe chronic low neutrophil counts to improve understanding and care for people with this condition.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry to Improve Care
A patient-focused registry gathers information from adults with severe chronic neutropenia to better understand infections, treatments, and outcomes over time.
-
Severe Chronic Neutropenia Registry: Finding Better Ways to Prevent Infections
A patient-focused registry at a leading hospital helps people with severe chronic neutropenia learn how the condition progresses and how treatments work over time.
-
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.
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.