Why the subiculum triggers seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy
Microcircuits of the Subiculum and Epilepsy
This project looks at how specific brain cells in a region called the subiculum change in temporal lobe epilepsy and how those changes can lead to seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321172 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory models and isolated brain tissue to record electrical activity from the subiculum, a key output area of the hippocampus. They will focus on how loss of the KCC2 chloride transporter and exposure to BDNF affect inhibitory interneurons (parvalbumin-, somatostatin-, and NDNF-expressing cells) and pyramidal cells. The team will apply pharmacological blockers and measure how cell-to-cell connections and synchrony change when inhibition is altered. Results will map which cell types and circuit changes are most likely to start seizure-like discharges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with temporal lobe epilepsy, especially those with focal or drug-resistant seizures or who are undergoing evaluation for epilepsy surgery, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with generalized epilepsy syndromes unrelated to the hippocampal formation or those without seizure activity involving the subiculum may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new cellular targets for therapies to prevent or reduce seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work has shown the subiculum can generate seizure-like activity when KCC2 function is reduced, and this project builds on those findings to pinpoint which interneurons and pyramidal cell types drive that activity.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maccaferri, Gianmaria — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Maccaferri, Gianmaria
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.