Award
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5K08NS131572-03
Getting Excited about Cortical Malformations: Discovering the Mechanisms Leading to Seizure-prone Neurons in Malformations of Cortical Development
Recipient
Dr. Allyson Laura Alexander
Award Amount
$203,824.00
Ceiling
$203,824.00
Awarded
January 23, 2026
Identifier
5K08NS131572-03
This NIH/NINDS funded project investigates mechanisms leading to seizure-prone neurons in cortical malformations, supporting research by Dr. Allyson Laura Alexander to develop targeted therapies for childhood epilepsy.
Description
The project focuses on childhood epilepsy related to Malformations of Cortical Development (MCDs). The research aims to determine if elongated axons caused by genetic changes contribute to seizures. The project involves analysis of mouse and human tissue, including fluorescent labeling and 3D reconstruction. The project includes calcium imaging to identify hub neurons and in vivo experiments to assess seizure frequency. The award supports Dr. Allyson Laura Alexander, an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Denver, and aims to develop targeted therapies for seizures in children with MCDs.