Understanding how damaged cells contribute to seizures after brain injuries
Official title: Evaluating the contribution of senescent cells in a model of post-traumatic epilepsy
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11164408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain damaged cells in the brain might lead to seizures after a head injury, and it hopes to find out if getting rid of these cells can help prevent or lessen those seizures for people who have had a traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2025 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,838 |
| NIH project number | 1F30NS143374-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are at risk of developing post-traumatic epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of senescent cells, which are damaged cells that can cause inflammation and other issues, in the development of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). By using a rodent model that mimics human brain injuries, the researchers aim to understand how these senescent cells contribute to the onset of seizures. The study will explore whether removing these cells can prevent or reduce the occurrence of seizures in this context. This approach could lead to new treatment strategies for individuals who have suffered a TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent seizures in patients who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting senescent cells can halt the progression of epilepsy in other models, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcfall, David John — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Mcfall, David John
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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.