Challenge Awards
Sacha D. Nelson, MD, PhD / Brandeis University
Dr. Nelson will explore the hypothesis that blocking normal activity causes a secondary change in interneurons, impairing cortical inhibition.
Prevention of Epilepsy After Brain Injury Award, Funded by the Brighter Future Award
Yogendra Raol, PhD / University of Colorado, Denver
Dr. Raol’s project will examine whether a potassium channel opener (flupirtine) can treat HI-induced neonatal seizures and alter long-term adverse neurological outcomes in an animal model of HI.
Challenge Awards, Funded by the Heldman Family/CURE Award
Robert Fujinami, PhD / University of Utah
We propose to test the hypothesis that virus infection activates the complement system in the brain that in turn increases inflammation which ultimately contributes to the development of seizures.
Multidisciplinary Awards, Funded by the Brighter Future Award
Steven Schiff, MD, PhD / Pennsylvania State University
Our translational approach focuses on fusing fundamental biology and clinical principles to help guide future human clinical trials.
Challenge Awards, Funded by the CJM Foundation
Peter Crino, MD, PhD / Temple University
If our data is correct, the future for patients with FMCD may include targeted therapy to cure HPV16 infection that could lead to truly new and successful treatment strategies with improved efficacy (“no seizures”) and diminished morbidity (“no side effects”).
Multidisciplinary Award, Funded by the Dravet Syndrome Foundation
Jingqiong “Katty” Kang, MD, PhD / Vanderbilt University
We propose to use photoluminescent nanoparticles called quantum dots to perform 3D super-resolution tracking of the dynamic behaviors of this protein family in live neurons in the mutation-carrying mice.
SUDEP, Funded by the Christopher Donalty and Kyle Coggins Memorial Award
Geoffrey Pitt, MD, PhD / Duke University
We propose to test this hypothesis with new animal models, leading to the rational discovery of SUDEP candidate genes and development of diagnostic tools for identifying susceptible individuals.
SUDEP, Funded by the Rock the Block for Pediatric Epilepsy Research Award
Chris Semsarian, PhD / University of Sydney
The proposed genetic study will be of benefit to surviving family members, both in terms of earlier diagnosis, closer clinical surveillance and initiation of early therapies to prevent the occurrence of SUDEP.
SUDEP
Edward Glasscock, PhD / Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Fluoxetine (better known as Prozac) prevents the brain’s reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which we predict will protect against seizure-associated respiratory arrest and SUDEP.
