Gupta Lab

In our lab, we use mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy to investigate pathological remodeling in the epileptogenic zone and connected seizure network, to determine the biological basis for the formation of these critical clinical regions. We do this by investigating:

1. Adult hippocampal epileptogenesis
2.  Region-specific gene pathway dysregulation
3. Therapeutic molecular pathway modulation

We have previously determined that the Wnt pathway is dysregulated early in epileptogenesis in the temporal lobe and that Wnt pathway modulation directly affects pathological remodeling in the hippocampus. Our NIH-funded work will determine if Wnt pathway modulation affects the development of epilepsy in this model. We are also actively investigated other pathways that may be responsible for pathological remodeling during this early critical period.

In our work with use transgenic mutant mouse lines, confocal microscopy, whole animal eletrocorticography, viral vector-based gene modulation, in vivo optogenetics, quantitative gene expression measures and other advanced techniques. Using these multidisciplinary approaches allows us to investigate the earliest events in epileptogenesis at genetic, cellular and whole animal levels. Our long-term goal is to understand neuronal plasticity in epileptogenesis and devise novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent the development of epilepsy and post-surgical recurrence.