Altered Brain Anatomy in Genetic Epilepsy

Grant number: 1030016 | Funding period: 2012 - 2015

Completed

Abstract

Genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) is the most common form of epilepsy, but our understanding of the pathogenesis, in particular anatomical effects of genetic mutations, is incomplete. This project represents the first quantitative study of anatomical changes caused by a human GGE mutation. Pilot data show that the fundamental wiring of the cortex is different in GGE brains with obvious implications for epileptogenesis. This study is expected to inspire improved treatment and diagnosis.

Related publications (4)

Sodium channel β1 subunit localizes to axon initial segments of excitatory and inhibitory neurons and shows regional heterogeneity in mouse brain

VC Wimmer, RC Harty, KL Richards, AM Phillips, H Miyazaki, N Nukina, S Petrou

2015-04-01

The β1 subunit of voltage-gated sodium channels, Na<inf>v</inf>β1, plays multiple roles in neurons spanning electrophysiological m..

Cortical microarchitecture changes in genetic epilepsy

VC Wimmer, MYS Li, SF Berkovic, S Petrou

2015-03-31

Objective: The human GABAAg2(R43Q) mutation is associated with genetic epilepsy. Because of the role of g-aminobutyric acid (GABA)..

Comparative strength and dendritic organization of thalamocortical and corticocortical synapses onto excitatory layer 4 neurons

CE Schoonover, JC Tapia, VC Schilling, V Wimmer, R Blazeski, W Zhang, CA Mason, RM Bruno

2014-01-01

Thalamus is a potent driver of cortical activity even though cortical synapses onto excitatory layer 4 neurons outnumber thalamic ..

Axon initial segment structural plasticity in animal models of genetic and acquired epilepsy

RC Harty, TH Kim, EA Thomas, L Cardamone, NC Jones, S Petrou, VC Wimmer

2013-08-01

A novel form of neuronal plasticity, occurring at the axon initial segment (AIS), has recently been described. Lengthening of the ..

University of Melbourne Researchers

Verena Wimmer