Research News

Gaia Colasante, PhD – Universita Vita-Salute San RaffaeleReactivating Scn1a gene in different interneuron subtypes to dissect their contribution to Dravet syndrome phenotypeResearch Grant – 2 years, $150,000 Grant Summary: Dravet syndrome (DS) is a devastating epileptic syndrome with associated relevant behavioral alterations. Heterozygous mutations in Scn1a gene account for the disease and its gene product, the sodium channel Nav1.1, […]

Mackenzie Howard, PhD – The University of Texas at AustinCerebellar deficits as mechanisms for motor, cognitive, and social dysfunction in Dravet syndromeResearch Grant – 2 years, $165,000 Grant Summary: In addition to frequent and severe seizures, most people with Dravet syndrome also suffer life-altering difficulties (“comorbidities”) with coordinated movement/muscle control, autism-associated behaviors, and learning and memory that

William Nobis, MD, PhD – Vanderbilt UniversityEffect of odorant on mortality and extended amygdala activation in Dravet syndromeResearch Grant – 2 years, $165,000**Co-funded with JAM for Dravet Grant Summary: Dravet syndrome (DS) is associated with a high epilepsy-related mortality, including an increased risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Controlling seizures can decrease the risk of SUDEP,

Ashwini Sri Hari, PhD – University of UtahEvaluating the effects of sub-chronic exposure to sub-clinical levels of CO on Dravet etiology and associated SUDEP riskPostdoctoral Fellowship – 1 year, $75,000 Grant Summary: Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the top most deadly air pollutants that is positively associated with an increased risk of epilepsy hospitalizations and sub-clinical

David Auerbach, PhD – The Research Foundation for SUNY/Upstate Medical UniversityGenetic Substrates and Physiological Triggers for Autonomic and Cardiac Abnormalities in Dravet SyndromeClinical Research Grant – 2 years, $150,000**Co-funded with JAM for Dravet Grant Summary: Patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) are at a high risk of sudden death. The cause of death is often unknown, and is

Elaine C. Wirrell, MD – Mayo ClinicDSF Research Award – $75,000 (1 year project)Dravet Syndrome International Consensus Project (funding provide through unrestricted grants from Biocodex, Greenwich Biosciences, and Zogenix) A core group of pediatric and adult epilepsy specialists, with input from DSF, has identified important clinical issues relating to the diagnosis and management of patients with