Can you give us brief overview of your research?
My research uses electrophysiology – a technique used in neuroscience to study how the nervous system functions and connects. In my project, it allows me to measure electrical signals from both individual brain cells (neurons), and larger areas of brain. This helps us to understand how active neurons are and how effectively they communicate with each other. Currently, we are using this to understand how seizures start and how electrical activity associated with seizures spreads across the brain. By uncovering these patterns, we aim to develop genetic therapies to treat seizures in multiple types of epilepsy.
What’s the most exciting or unexpected finding from your project so far?
It is known that there is a decrease of a specific protein, named KCC2, in the brains of people with different types of epilepsy. This protein is really important for the function of stop signals (inhibition) within the brain. These stop signals work to prevent too much electrical activity in the brain, which is associated with seizures. Based on this, we have developed a type of gene therapy that increases the amount of this protein and has already shown that it is effective in reducing the severity of seizure-like events in multiple models of seizures. These are really exciting initial findings but our ultimate goal is that the therapy will be effective in reducing seizure burden in epilepsy whilst sparing normal brain function.
What do you hope the Reproduction & Hormones research theme will achieve?
Our major hope for the Reproduction & Hormones theme is ultimately to be able to equip women and men that have epilepsy, with the knowledge required to make informed decisions around pregnancy and to prevent harm to the developing child associated with certain anti-seizure medications. We also hope to stimulate research in the area surrounding hormones and epilepsy. There is little research and, consequently, little information available for people with epilepsy about how hormones may affect seizures and about interactions of hormones with anti-seizure medications. We aim to increase the amount of research within this field to provide both clinicians and people affected by epilepsy with better information and advice, ultimately to improve care.
You also recently chaired a Navigator Symposium on Reproduction & Neurodevelopment—can you share some key insights from the event?
The Navigator Symposium showcased the latest research and brought together researchers in the fields of reproduction in epilepsy and brain development. The aim was to initiate collaboration between researchers in the two fields and increase research into the effect of anti-seizure medication on the developing brain.
During the event, one of our Shape Network member’s, Catherine, beautifully highlighted that there are still a lot of questions to answer when it comes to childhood epilepsies. Additionally, concerns raised by Dr Rebecca Bromley regarding unknown risks of anti-seizure medication during pregnancy were also a stark reminder of the work that needs to be done to give families peace of mind when deciding to have children. However, the breadth of expertise in the room, from child psychologists and clinicians to geneticists and basic scientists, and the fantastic progress that they’re making in this field gives me hope that our goal of being able to provide more valuable information and advice is not far away. You can read more about the symposium here.
We also have an upcoming workshop on hormones and epilepsy to bring together researchers, clinicians and people affected by epilepsy to prioritise research questions and develop strategies and protocols to address the questions.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest hopes for the future of epilepsy research?
I hope that within the next few years we start to see life-changing therapeutics become available in the clinic which can significantly improve the lives of people with epilepsy.
