New genetic switch could improve gene therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy

Epilepsy affects much than 50 cardinal radical worldwide, making it 1 of the astir communal neurological disorders. Although medicine helps galore patients execute seizure control, astir one-third proceed to acquisition seizures contempt treatment. Seizures often originate erstwhile the brain's excitation-inhibition (E/I) equilibrium breaks down. In steadfast conditions, specialized inhibitory neurons enactment arsenic a earthy braking system, releasing a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acerb (GABA) that helps forestall excessive electrical activity. When this inhibitory power is weakened, abnormal bursts of enactment tin dispersed done the encephalon and trigger seizures.