# 4th International SLC13A5 Deficiency Research Roundtable

> **NIH NIH R13** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $15,000

## Abstract

Project Abstract
SLC13A5 Deficiency (EIEE 25, Citrate Transporter Disorder, non-ROGDI Kohlschutter-Tonz) is a newly-
described (2014) autosomal recessive epileptic encephalopathy, with seizure onset in the first few days of life.
Although rare, this life-threatening epilepsy affects both boys and girls of all races and ethnicities. As
SLC13A5 Deficiency causes a spectrum of developmental delay and multi-system complications, there is a
need to assemble industry, clinicians, and researchers from the fields of genetics, transporters, neurology,
metabolics, diabetes, movement disorders, dentistry, and gene therapy. The International SLC13A5
Deficiency Research Roundtable addresses this need. This unique one-day conference has a proven track
record of spurring collaboration among key stakeholders. Kimberly Nye has organized all four Roundtables in
her capacity as president of TESS Research Foundation, which is the only nonprofit organization in the world
solely dedicated to SLC13A5 Deficiency. Although the Roundtable focuses on SLC13A5 Deficiency as it
presents in children with the neurological disease, there is also discussion about the gene’s role in a resistance
to type-2 diabetes, longevity, and aging. We further broaden our impact by discussing the epileptic
encephalopathies and epilepsy, which serve as umbrella diagnoses for our patient population.
 This year’s conference will be the 4th International SLC13A5 Deficiency Research Roundtable to be
held on March 23rd in Dallas, Texas. This location was chosen as the University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center (UTSW) in Dallas is at the forefront of gene therapy development for monogenic neurological
diseases, including SLC13A5 Deficiency. Dr. Rachel Bailey, PhD is a key member of the gene therapy
program at UTSW, working closely with clinicians in the Department of Pediatric Neurology to move towards
clinical readiness for rare neurological disorders that she developed gene therapy vectors for, including
SLC13A5 Deficiency. A major aim of this conference is to identify key steps in preparing for a gene therapy
trial. Experts in their respective fields will be brought together with the authorities on SLC13A5 Deficiency and
families with affected children to synergize research efforts. Speakers and attendees will present data, discuss
progress and setbacks, set research priorities, and create a roadmap to better understand disease mechanism
and to develop treatments for SLC13A5 Deficiency and related diseases. Trainees and junior faculty,
particularly from under-represented minority groups, will be targeted for attendance and will be encouraged to
submit abstracts for presentation and travel award consideration. Though we are requesting only one year of
funding for this conference, we plan to continue an annual format to maintain collaborations between
investigators and continue momentum forward in realizing a transformative treatment for SLC13A5 Deficiency.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9994521
- **Project number:** 1R13NS117006-01
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Rachel M Bailey
- **Activity code:** R13 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $15,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-03-20 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9994521

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9994521, 4th International SLC13A5 Deficiency Research Roundtable (1R13NS117006-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9994521. Licensed CC0.

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