TARGET- TARgeted Gene therapy for Epilepsy Treatment

Disciplines

Biology (15%); Computer Sciences (15%); Medical-Theoretical Sciences, Pharmacy (10%); Medical Biotechnology (60%)

Keywords

Gene Therapy, Epilepsy, Designer Receptor, Neuroscience

Abstract

More than 2 million patients suffer from treatment resistant epilepsy in Europe. Patients continue to experience seizures, suffer from several comorbidities, and have an increased risk of sudden unexpected death. Gene therapy, where proteins can be selectively overexpressed in different cell types, has emerged as a big hope for patients suffering from refractory epilepsy. In TARGET we will use state-of-the art computational methods, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, and behavioural experiments in order to develop and validate a novel gene therapy with an increased efficacy and safety profile.