Postnatal Neurogenesis As A Therapeutic Target For Epilepsy

After birth, the brain continues to make new neurons. Research has shown that this process, called neurogenesis, is increased by seizures and by inducing epilepsy in an animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Several studies have provided evidence that these new neurons may contribute to recurrent seizures, while the results of other studies suggest that the new neurons are actually beneficial to the adult brain. Drs. Hsieh and Scharfman will collaborate to block neurogenesis in an animal model of TLE to resolve this issue. The results of this study will help determine if targeting neurogenesis is a potential therapy for the treatment of TLE.