A novel advanced therapy to treat epilepsy by directly targeting the underlying mechanisms
ENDEAVOUR PROJECT GRANT
£173,770.42
Dr Gareth Morris
Professor Susan Kimber
Current treatments for epilepsy often rely on daily medication, which can cause significant side effects and are not always effective. Genetic therapies are a promising new approach that could offer long lasting and potentially curative alternatives. These treatments aim to correct or block underlying biological mechanisms that causes seizures, rather than simply managing symptoms. Recent work using human brain tissue from people with epilepsy has identified a molecule called a microRNA that may disrupt the brain’s natural ability to stop seizures. Understanding and targeting this molecule could lead to a breakthrough in how epilepsy is treated.
"Our approach represents a cutting-edge genetic therapy which we hope will offer long-lasting seizure freedom with fewer side effects.
This study will develop a new genetic therapy to block the effects of this specific microRNA found in epileptic brain tissue. This microRNA appears to interfere with the brain’s natural inhibitory signalling – the system that normally helps to stop seizures by ‘putting the brakes’ on overactive brain cells. By developing a therapy that can block this microRNA, Gareth aims to restore this natural protection and reduce or even prevent seizures.
A successful genetic therapy would provide long lasting option for people with drug resistant seizures. As a relatively recent discovery, microRNAs represent a new focus in epilepsy research, and this study will improve our understanding of how microRNAs contribute to epilepsy.
