The inhibitory system and its dysfunction in seizures

The Glykys Lab focuses on understanding how the inhibitory system works in the brain at the cellular level, with a particular emphasis on how the dysfunction of the inhibitory system leads to seizures. Specifically, the lab is interested in how seizures and other brain injuries result in simultaneous water and chloride accumulation in neurons. The increase in neuronal chloride alters the inhibitory system and leads to excitatory actions of GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Excessive water accumulation in neurons also causes cytotoxic edema. The long-term goal of our research is to understand the pathways of water and chloride accumulation in neurons and how it affects the inhibitory system of the brain. We will then aim to modulate these mechanisms to better treat seizures, especially during the neonatal period. Our research areas include studying changes in neuronal chloride concentration and cellular volume during pathological conditions, neonatal seizures, epilepsy, and GABAA receptor physiology. We approach these scientific questions in the neocortex with electrophysiological techniques and two-photon imaging.

PubMed link

Department/Program Affiliations:
Molecular Medicine
Neurology
Neuroscience