The Experimental Epileptology Research Group focuses on understanding the mechanisms of drug-resistant epilepsy, improving diagnostics, and exploring innovative epilepsy treatments. This research targets cellular, molecular, and systemic mechanisms of epilepsy, with a strong emphasis on translating findings into clinical practice. A key research area is drug-resistant epilepsy resulting from brain malformations and genetic origins. We use highly realistic genetic mouse models that accurately mimic human manifestations of the disease.
Using advanced electrophysiological techniques - such as patch-clamp, long-term multichannel recordings, and neural activity control methods (optogenetics and chemogenetics) - we study transitions between normal and pathological neural activity to understand seizure onset and abnormal epileptic oscillations. By employing cutting-edge voltage and calcium imaging methods, we investigate network interactions among neurons and various interneurons groups during epileptic activity to elucidate the processes involved in epilepsy development and seizure triggers.
This group also focuses on neuron-oligodendrocyte interactions, essential for myelin formation and the homeostasis of the epileptic cellular microenvironment. We study how epileptic activity impacts oligodendrocytes and other glial cells, as well as the remodeling of brain tissue, which can lead to an inherent predisposition to seizures and the development of neuropsychiatric comorbidities associated with epilepsy.
Particular attention is given to the study of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but serious complication affecting about one in every thousand patients annually. Researchers examine the effects of epileptic activity and seizures on respiratory and cardiovascular functions to uncover the mechanisms leading to SUDEP and develop effective preventive strategies.
Another key research area is the study of metabolic changes and cerebral perfusion in patients with epilepsy. This work aims to enhance epilepsy diagnostics using imaging technologies, especially MRI, and to develop new methods for evaluating permeability of blood-brain barrier. The long-term goal of the group is to develop new epilepsy treatments, including gene therapy and personalized approaches for acquired and genetic epilepsy.
The Experimental Epileptology Group is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and technologies essential for epilepsy research. It has advanced electrophysiology systems for both in vitro and in vivo recordings, including patch-clamp, intracellular recordings, multichannel extracellular recordings in brain slices, and multichannel recordings (up to 128 channels) in freely moving animals. The group is fully equipped for optogenetic, chemogenetic, and molecular studies in both in vitro and in vivo settings, with specialized GMO2 laboratories.
Additionally, the group utilizes cutting-edge microscopy techniques, including ultra-fast single-photon DMD and two-/three-photon microscopy, which allow high-precision tracking of neuronal activity and detailed subcellular analysis of cell morphology.
Academic staff
Students
Bc. Aneta Ambrosová (epirec.cz profile)
Bc. Martina Biačková (epirec.cz profile)
Bc. Filip Doležal (epirec.cz profile)
