An individual’s genetic makeup largely determines their disease risks and responses to medication. Epilepsies are a clinically heterogeneous group of neurological disorders characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Seizures are commonly drug-resistant and increase the risk of death, also known as SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). SUDEP is the leading cause of death in epileptic individuals and is the second leading neurologic cause of total lost potential life-years after stroke. Our overarching goal is to understand the genetic and pathophysiologic basis of epilepsy, SUDEP, and related neurological disorders. This information will allow us to further explore molecular control of brain synchronization, identify the biomarkers, and finally develop therapeutics for epilepsy and SUDEP.
The Gu lab tackles these challenges using a combination of interdisciplinary approaches including systems genetics (e.g. Collaborative Cross mice), molecular biology, electrophysiology, optogenetics, and pharmacology.
Seizures are synchronized firing of groups of neurons (Gu and Dalton, 2017)
Immunohistochemical staining of the epileptic brain (hippocampus of the mouse, coronal section)