Using fly models to understand severe pediatric epilepsy
Official title: CRISPR Generated Genomic Templates to Evaluate Epileptogenesis
Funded at Texas A&m University-Kingsville · NIH-11093941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a serious type of epilepsy in kids by using fruit flies to mimic the condition, so researchers can better understand how it works and find new treatments to help those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University-Kingsville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingsville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $138,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS140313-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) or similar severe early-onset epileptic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy not related to Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE), a severe form of epilepsy in children, by creating fly models that mimic the disease. Researchers will use CRISPR technology to introduce specific mutations in these fly avatars, allowing them to study the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy and how different tissues respond to these mutations. The goal is to gain insights that could lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, tailored drug therapies for children with severe epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of fly models in epilepsy research is established, the specific application of CRISPR-generated mosaics for DEE is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University-Kingsville
Kingsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bohm, Rudolf — Texas A&m University-Kingsville
- Study coordinator: Bohm, Rudolf
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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.