Forschungsgruppe (FOR 2715) "Epileptogenese von genetischen Epilepsien" Teilprojekt TP 5: "Gehirnregion-abhängige Epileptogenese in einem konditionalen Mausmodell"

30.09.2021 bis 29.09.2024

Despite the identification of a steadily increasing number of epilepsy genes and elucidation of molecular mechanisms of disease‐causing mutations in heterologous expression systems, the exact mechanisms as to how epilepsy develops on the basis of a genetic defect is poorly understood. Functional studies in neurons and animal models offer interesting opportunities to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis and may pave the way for novel treatment options. Following the main hypothesis of this Research Unit (RU), epilepsy likely develops as a consequence of three interacting processes: the neurophysiological effect of the genetic mutation itself, an epileptogenic process triggered by the mutation, and developmentally regulated physiological changes of network properties within the brain. Therefore, we intend to understand the cascade caused by a molecular
genetic dysfunction that triggers cellular changes of neuronal excitability and consecutively affects network function over time ending in epileptic seizures.