My research interests focus on studying mechanisms of epileptogenesis. For this purpose, I am using chronic animal models of epilepsy to characterize interictal and ictal high frequency oscillations with respect to localization in mesial temporal structures, to identify laminar sites of origin of these oscillations within different brain areas. My research focuses primarily on defining alterations in the properties of pHFO-generating neuronal clusters responsible for transition to different types of seizure onset in epileptic rats, using double silicon probes, and correlates the expression of candidate genes associated with epileptogenic and antiepileptic mechanisms with the location of electrophysiologically identified areas and cells responsible for transition to ictus. My current RO1 is devoted to investigation of another biomarker of epileptogenesis in brain electrical activity. We are investigating a new network of biomarkers of epileptogenesis, that are measured by the strength of functional connectivity of EEG signals recorded in multiple electrodes by measuring the coupling of gamma events. In the current proposal, we are planning to measure electrophysiological, structural and functional MRI signals, as well as perform some behavioral tests in animals after TBI. This will be a breakthrough in the understanding of epileptogenesis and provide new targets for prevention of epilepsy. I am also co-investigator of Dr. Jerome Engel, Jr.’s R01 [NS33310] which is investigating EEG and MRI biomarkers of epileptogenesis after TBI. Recently we have described that epileptogenesis after TBI may have similar mechanisms as those in status models of chronic epilepsy. I am a consultant of the EpiBios4X Projects, I and 2 and will be involved in data analysis by designing a strategy for identification patterns of pathological electrical activity.
Epilepsy, basic mechanisms
View a up-to-date publication list: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=WcurRvgAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
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