Gene Therapy in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Regine Heilbronn
• Subject Area: Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: from 2012 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 220918758

The high incidence of drug-resistant focal epilepsies poses a persistent challenge in medicine. Many patients cannot be treated sufficiently not even by surgical removal of the epileptogenic focus. In an animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) we have recently demonstrated antiepileptic effects applying specific neuropeptides. We now aim to evaluate AAV vector-driven neuropeptide expression in selected regions of the hippocampal formation. The aim is to prevent progressive neuronal loss and associated degradation of brain functions. The kainic acid model of epilepsy induction in the hippocampus of mice will be used to follow onset, frequency and duration of seizure-related EEG events after stereotactic application of transgene-expressing AAV vectors. Behavioral tests of spatial learning abilities and emotional control will be performed. Histochemical analyses of brain pathology will evaluate brain functions typically impaired both, in humans and in animal models of TLE. Longterm stability of induced effects will be followed, since epilepsy patients need life-long safe and reliable treatment options. The long-term goal is to develop a gene therapy for patients suffering from refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, or other types of intracable, focal epilepsies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Christoph A. Schwarzer