Zebrafish models of drug-resistant epileptic seizures

Overview

Drug-resistant epileptic seizures represent a severe unmanageable disease burden.

Germline mutations in genes of the cohesin complex cause developmental disorders like Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS). Epileptic seizures are prominent in CdLS and other cohesin mutation associated developmental syndromes. Mutations in the cohesin gene, SMC1A, cause severe drug-resistant epileptic seizures, however, the underlying mechanism of resistance is not known.

In this project, we will use zebrafish models to identify gene expression programs that contribute to seizure pathology and treatment resistance in epileptic seizures caused by cohesin mutation. The research may provide insights for the development of more effective anti-epileptic strategies. The student will use next generation sequencing and microscopy techniques to understand molecular pathology that underlies drug resistant seizures.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago