IGF-1 Signaling In Posttraumatic Epileptogenesis

Traumatic brain injury activates complex molecular signals in surviving neurons. Some of these signals are thought to cause posttraumatic epilepsy. This project relies on high-throughput bioengineering methods to identify the precise roles that these signaling molecules play in the development of epilepsy. To further CURE’s mission of achieving No Seizures/No Side Effects, we will: 1), design and optimize antiepileptic treatments that inhibit multiple signaling nodes at appropriate times, and 2), use high-throughput methods to discover other signaling pathways that are involved in epileptogenesis and that may be effective drug targets. Our goal is to find a combination of signaling pathways that could be inhibited for complete prevention of epilepsy with minimal side effects.