We have an immediate opening for a motivated and energetic scientist interested in translational neuroscience research and drug discovery. This is a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative project at the interface of preclinical epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease research, with a focus on the behavioral and pathophysiological elucidation of the mechanisms of hyperexcitability in the aging and Read More…
About us
Gut-brain axis and the microbiome in acquired epilepsy
Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) is a single-stranded RNA murine cardiovirus from the family Picornaviridae. It is useful to model virally-induced acute seizures and encephalitis-induced epileptogenesis. Because epilepsy is an underrecognized long-term complication of central nervous system (CNS) infection, the TMEV model is invaluable to understand the complex interactions between viruses, the immune system, and Read More…
American Epilepsy Society Post-Doctoral Fellowship – Congratulations, Aaron!!
Dr. Aaron del Pozo has received an American Epilepsy Society post-doctoral fellowship, jointly sponsored by Partners Against Mortality in Epilepsy (PAME). Dr. del Pozo’s project will aim to identify new therapeutic interventions for SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) with a strategic focus on novel serotonin-selective agents. Initial work from Dr. del Pozo is currently under peer review Read More…
Loss of normal presenilin 2 function affects cognitive function in aged females
This blog post delves into the observations of sex differences in cognitive function in older rodent models, exploring the factors that contribute to these disparities and their implications for our understanding of aging in humans. It is likely that men and women experience cognitive aging differently. While the exact reasons are complex and multifaceted, several Read More…
Soticlestat: a selective, potent inhibitor of the enzyme cholesterol 24-hydroxylase
Soticlestat, formerly known as TAK-935/OV935, is an investigational drug developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. It is a highly selective, potent inhibitor of the enzyme cholesterol 24-hydroxylase, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of neurosteroid synthesis. Neurosteroids are naturally occurring molecules in the brain that modulate neuronal activity, including in epilepsy. Our recent study adds Read More…
Cannabidiol and the 21st century shift in epilepsy drug discovery
When I first started learning about cannabidiol’s use in epilepsy patients back in 2013, the agent was shrouded in taboo with a sprinkling of “homeopathic medicine” vibes. Because of the decades-long war on drugs, marijuana and marijuana plant-derived compounds were considered far too imperfect and far too risky to be used for medical purposes. But Read More…
Heterogeneity of Seizure Susceptibility in Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects over 4 million people in the US alone. As the worldwide population continues to age, this number will only grow in the coming decades. Seizures in people with both early- and late-onset AD are more common than in similarly age-matched non-affected individuals. People with epilepsy Read More…
A novel plasma biomarker for seizures?
Gasotransmitters are a relatively untapped therapeutic target in epilepsy. The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide, is an approved antiseizure drug, and low levels of CO2 have been linked with asynchronous neuronal firing and higher seizure propensity. Nitric oxide is another critical signaling molecule that has undergone a high degree of scrutiny in epilepsy and other neurological Read More…
AES 2021 in REAL LIFE!
After a year of missing catching up with my fellow epilepsy professionals, it has been so exciting to attend the 2021 American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting in Chicago! I have been enjoying the mix of sightseeing (yes, I saw the “bean”), deep dish pizza (is it really pizza?!), Chicago hot dogs (better than Seattle hot Read More…
Body weight influences spontaneous recurrent seizure burden
The kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus model evoked in rats is commonly used in the search for both acutely anticonvulsant and disease-modifying therapies in both mice and rats. This model includes an acute status epilepticus insult that then is followed by a latent phase prior to the development of spontaneous recurrent seizures; e.g. epilepsy. While Read More…