Focus

Focus on epilepsy

Focus issue:
March 2015 Volume 18, No 3
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Editorial

Focus on epilepsy

Focus on epilepsy p317

doi:10.1038/nn.3964

Full Text | PDF (615 KB)

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Perspectives

Focus on epilepsy

Beyond the hammer and the scalpel: selective circuit control for the epilepsies pp331 - 338

Esther Krook-Magnuson and Ivan Soltesz

doi:10.1038/nn.3943

Current treatment options are, for many patients with epilepsy, either insufficient or ineffective and, thus, new therapeutic methodologies are necessary. In this Perspective, Esther Krook-Magnuson and Ivan Soltesz look at recent advances in optogenetic-based modulation of circuit activity and seizures with an eye toward the prospect—and challenges—of utilizing these technologies for the treatment of epilepsy.

Abstract | Full Text | PDF (1,400 KB)

Focus on epilepsy

Animal models in epilepsy research: legacies and new directions pp339 - 343

Brain P Grone and Scott C Baraban

doi:10.1038/nn.3934

In this Perspective article, Brian Grone and Scott Baraban examine some of the numerous nonhuman animal models of epilepsy. The authors outline how traditional animal models have advanced our understanding of seizure initiation and epileptogenesis and also describe how the use of more 'non-traditional' model systems may further improve insight into both disease mechanisms as well as potential therapeutic avenues.

Abstract | Full Text | PDF (274 KB)

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Reviews

Focus on epilepsy

Pathway-driven discovery of epilepsy genes pp344 - 350

Jeffrey Noebels

doi:10.1038/nn.3933

In this Review, Jeff Noebels examines recent advances in the identification of new genes underlying the onset of epilepsy. Given their functional convergence on synaptic inhibition and rich interactive landscape, collective analysis of genes driving major network interactions—as performed in the cancer field—may help point the way forward toward better diagnostics and target prioritization.

Abstract | Full Text | PDF (786 KB)

Focus on epilepsy

Microcircuits and their interactions in epilepsy: is the focus out of focus? pp351 - 359

Jeanne T Paz and John R Huguenard

doi:10.1038/nn.3950

In this Review, Jeanne Paz and John Huguenard examine how recent work has informed us on the function of brain microcircuitry and how different circuit types may contribute to seizure generation and/or propagation. The authors also propose the idea that these microcircuits may regulate the spread of seizures and represent new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract | Full Text | PDF (1400 KB)

Focus on epilepsy

Reprogramming patient-derived cells to study the epilepsies pp360 - 366

Jack M Parent and Stewart A Anderson

doi:10.1038/nn.3944

In this Review article, Jack Parent and Stewart Anderson discuss the advantages and limitations of using patient-derived cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells, to probe the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and disease progression. In addition, they look at potential therapeutic avenues, such as cell-replacement strategies, that may arise from this field.

Abstract | Full Text | PDF (720 KB)

Focus on epilepsy

Molecular mechanisms of epilepsy pp367 - 372

Kevin J Staley

doi:10.1038/nn.3947

The term ‘seizure’ emphasizes the abrupt and unpredictable nature of the onset of epochs of pathological neuronal synchrony that define the disorder of epilepsy. Mechanisms of epilepsy should account for seizure transitions with these unique temporal properties. In this review, Kevin Staley discusses how combining insights from new genetic etiologies with seizure timing may begin to outline the mechanisms by which the brain becomes predisposed to seizures.

Abstract | Full Text | PDF (300 KB)

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