# Seizure Engram

> **NIH NIH R21** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $429,002

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Epileptic seizures can be characterized as concerted and synchronized activity of neurons across the brain for
an extended period of time. We hypothesize that, as for other normal brain-controlled behavior, epileptic seizures
are not caused by random activity of neurons, but rather arise from activity in a specific, organized brain network.
Our overarching goal is to elucidate such a seizure-specific network in the brain and to deliver genetic
neuromodulation specifically to such a seizure-generating network for tailored seizure suppression. In our
proposal, we first identify all the critical brain cells that make up that seizure network in acute and chronic rodent
models of epilepsy. Then, we will manipulate such a network to stop seizure occurrence.
We will identify and visualize brain structures and cells responsible for generation of seizures in the whole brain
by labeling these cells with a fluorescent protein tag utilizing sophisticated gene expression techniques in
genetically modified mice (Specific Aim 1). This seizure-specific labelling of neurons occurs when they exhibit
extensive activity in the presence of a chemical in the system during a seizure episode. This labelling procedure
will be repeated to examine if the same neuronal populations become active in two separate episodes of
seizures. The cells labeled with the fluorescence reporter will be examined by fluorescence microscopy.
Overlapped labelling of neurons between two seizure episodes will support our hypothesis that the same subset
of neurons is repeatedly involved in generation of seizures.
We will then employ a similar strategy to deliver genetic neuromodulation to a seizure-generating network
(Specific Aim 2). We engineered a viral vector that carries a molecular tool that suppress neuronal activity when
an activating drug is injected into the animal. This viral vector will be injected into a brain region responsible for
generation of seizures in the rodent models of epilepsy we will use. We expect that such manipulation will
suppress subsequent seizures.
Our hypothesis views and treats epileptic seizures as a network function in the brain. Together with robust
network-specific suppression of seizures in mouse models of epilepsy, this will change the way we view and
treat this disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9979524
- **Project number:** 1R21NS112948-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBERT E GROSS
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $429,002
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-05-15 → 2023-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9979524

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9979524, Seizure Engram (1R21NS112948-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9979524. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*