Understanding STRADA-related brain malformation and epilepsy
Elucidating pathogenic mechanisms in STRADA-related brain malformation and epilepsy
This research aims to understand why some children with a genetic condition called STRADA-related brain malformation and epilepsy have seizures that are hard to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118994 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Epilepsy is a challenging condition for many children, especially when current medications don't fully control seizures. This project focuses on a specific genetic cause, STRADA gene mutations, which lead to severe epilepsy and intellectual disability. Researchers are using special stem cells from patients to grow tiny 3D brain models, called organoids, in the lab. By studying these models, they hope to uncover the exact problems in brain development and function that cause seizures in STRADA-related conditions. This deeper understanding could pave the way for new and more effective treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on understanding the specific mechanisms of STRADA-related brain malformation and epilepsy, particularly in children aged 0-11 years old.
Not a fit: Patients whose epilepsy is not linked to STRADA gene mutations or similar genetic pathways may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or therapies for children with STRADA-related brain malformation and epilepsy whose seizures are currently difficult to manage.
How similar studies have performed: While some treatments for related genetic epilepsies exist, many individuals still experience uncontrolled seizures, indicating a need for novel approaches like the one explored here.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dang, Louis Tuong Chinh — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Dang, Louis Tuong Chinh
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.