Leitung Pharmakologie und Toxikologie
Leitung Zentrum für Biologische Wissenschaften
Department für Biologische Wissenschaften und Pathobiologie
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
Programm
"Modulation of epileptogenesis – translational therapeutic approaches in animal models"
Despite the availability of numerous anti-seizure drugs, about one third of epilepsy patients remain pharmacoresistant, particularly in post-insult forms of the disease. A major focus of our research is therefore to gain a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying epilepsy development following an initial brain insult. We employ experimental rodent models that reproduce different epileptogenic insults and thus reflect distinct clinical scenarios. The clinical relevance of these models is continuously expanded, for instance through the establishment of novel paradigms for infection-induced epileptogenesis. Epileptogenesis results from a complex interplay of neuronal hyperexcitability, neuroinflammatory processes, altered glial function, and metabolic dysregulation. By developing and applying translational imaging techniques – in particular longitudinal positron-emission tomography (PET) and MRI – we have been able to non-invasively monitor dynamic changes in blood-brain barrier integrity, neuroinflammation and energy metabolism during epileptogenesis in vivo. Building on these findings, we investigate therapeutic strategies that specifically target these mechanisms. Our focus lies on anti-inflammatory interventions and modulation of cerebral metabolism. Such approaches open new perspectives for preventing or modifying epileptogenesis and contribute to bridging the gap between preclinical research and personalized clinical translation.
Host: Helmut KUBISTA
Contact for questions: Helmut KUBISTA