Researchers identify key proteins that are involved in the worsening of epilepsy and associated behavioral issues
CURE-funded research has shown that normal function of SNARE proteins (proteins important for releasing chemicals to signal neurons) found on star-shaped glia cells in the brain, called astrocytes, is crucial for seizures to progress in frequency and severity. Decreasing SNARE function limited seizures and epilepsy progression. This was also true for behavioral deficits and inflammation where blocking SNARE protein action was show to decrease both. Studies like these may help us to understand why certain types of epilepsy can worsen over time and cause a myriad of behavioral and cognitive effects that are detrimental to patients.
Download the entire study (pdf) here.