# Exploring Novel Epilepsy Pathways

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2020 · $594,989

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Epilepsy is a common and disabling disease for which current treatments remain inadequate. Epilepsy is
known to have a major genetic contribution, but a small proportion of epilepsy overall is explained by known
genes and mechanisms. Thus, there is a critical need to identify the molecules and pathways that underlie
epilepsy pathophysiology and to find novel therapeutic strategies. Focusing on pathways which lead to
epilepsy-related phenotypes in diverse species and model systems may help accelerate the discovery process.
Recently we found mutations in the Prickle genes can contribute to seizures in multiple species ranging from
flies to humans. This system can provide a basis for the development of safer and more effective drug
regimens for treating epilepsy. Our preliminary findings led us to the hypothesis that mutations in the
PRICKLE pathway are associated with epilepsy and that Prickle-modulating reagents can be used to treat
epilepsy or seizures. The objective of this R01 application is to identify the molecules involved in Prickle
signaling and to determine whether Prickle pathway-modulating reagents alleviate seizures in our multiple
model systems. The studies proposed here should both further our understanding of the biology of the
Prickles and their connection to epilepsy, and lead to new therapeutic modalities. Our specific aims are: to 1)
Test Prickle-pathway molecules as anti-epilepsy drug targets and 2) Test Wnt5a and related molecules
as anti-epileptics in Prickle mutant mice. These experiments should provide insight into the biology of
Prickle signaling, how it and whether Prickle-modulating reagents offer new epilepsy treatments.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9850650
- **Project number:** 5R01NS098590-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** ALEXANDER G BASSUK
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $594,989
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-05-15 → 2022-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9850650

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9850650, Exploring Novel Epilepsy Pathways (5R01NS098590-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9850650. Licensed CC0.

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