Single Nucleus Transcriptional Profiling of Intractable Focal Epilepsy

PROJECT NARRATIVE The mechanisms by which seizures arise and propagate in focal epilepsy remain incompletely understood, particularly how the molecular and cellular alterations in the seizure focus and surrounding brain tissue contribute to this process. We will use single nucleus transcriptional profiling of electrophysiologically-localized brain tissue obtained during epilepsy surgery, allowing identification of genes that are expressed in the seizure focus versus those expressed in regions that resist seizure spread. Our studies will improve understanding of seizure onset and spread in intractable focal epilepsy, providing new targets for treatment in this difficult to treat condition.