The goal of the lab is to study the evolution of pediatric epilepsy with the long-term goal of developing better treatments. The lab is also interested in the shared underlying mechanisms between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
Research
Explore the fascinating world of neuroscience in the Wong Lab. Dive into cutting-edge research on epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological disorders to unravel the complexities to advance treatment and understanding. Our dedicated team is committed to pushing boundaries and making breakthrough discoveries in the field. Join us on this exciting journey as we strive to unlock the mysteries of the brain and improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy, AD, and other neurological disorders.
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Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 1-2% of the population, characterized by unprovoked seizures and often associated with behavioral comorbidities. Genetic factors contribute to over 80% of epilepsy cases. Despite available anti-seizure drugs, one-third of patients struggle with seizure control. Our lab aims to increase our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms for seizure generation and associated behavioral comorbidities in order to develop better treatments.
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Main Areas Of Research
Why do seizures occur?
Our lab aims to understand seizure mechanisms by developing and analyzing mouse models, including constitutive and conditional knock-in and knockout mouse models. With these mouse models, we can identify which brain region and cell types might be involved in seizure generation and propagation. We utilize techniques such as seizure induction and long-term video/EEG monitoring to identify seizure type, and spontaneous seizure frequency, duration, and severity.
Discovery of New Disease Genes and Mutations
Identifying epilepsy-related genes and mutations remains a key focus of our research. In collaboration with clinicians, we sequence and analyze patients with epilepsy to uncover novel disease genes and mutations.
How do we study behavioral comorbidities associated with epilepsy?
Children with epilepsy often have intellectual disability, behavioral challenges, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Leveraging our expertise in mouse behavioral assays, we are utilizing our mouse models to investigate cognitive and behavioral abnormalities associated with epilepsy-related genes to better understand and address these comorbidities.
Treatment development
We aim to develop more efficacious treatments for refractory epilepsy through a multipronged approach. This includes evaluating both established and novel therapies in mouse models, such as repurposing drugs, identifying gene therapy strategies, and improving the delivery of neuropeptides across the blood-brain barrier using nanoparticle encapsulation.
What is the connection between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease?
We are currently working towards understanding the role of pediatric epilepsy in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. We use mouse models of epilepsy and AD to study the impact of epilepsy genes on AD-related phenotypes, including neuronal excitability, behavioral comorbidities, and AD neuropathology.