Dynamics in Epilepsy & Cognitive Development Lab
Understanding & Protecting Brain Development in Pediatric Epilepsy
The Nemours Children’s Dynamics in Epilepsy & Cognitive Development (DECODE) Lab in Delaware Valley is dedicated to understanding and treating one of childhood's most challenging neurological conditions: Epilepsy. With one in 26 people diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime, many in childhood, our work has never been more crucial.
We use cutting-edge technology to observe individual brain cells in action. This helps us understand how neural circuits control behavior and how seizures can disrupt healthy brain development. We’re especially interested in how two key brain regions communicate, the prefrontal cortex (which helps with complex thinking) and the hippocampus (where learning and memory take place).
Our research has led to exciting discoveries about ACTH, a naturally occurring hormone that shows promise in preventing cognitive challenges that can come with early-life seizures. By studying these neuropeptides (specialized brain signaling molecules) and how brain cells work together, we're uncovering new ways to treat children.
Through our research on conditions like tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), we’re discovering why each child’s experience with epilepsy is unique, helping us develop more personalized treatments. For us, success means more than just controlling seizures. Success is giving every child the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential.
Principal Investigator
Amanda Hernan, PhDÌý
Research Scientist
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
- Focus Areas
- Notable Projects
- Grants & Partnerships
Our Areas of Focus
Our focus is studying cognitive impairment in pediatric epilepsy. Our projects center around several key areas.Ìý
UnderstandingÌýNeural Networks in Development
The brain is a complex network of connected cells that control everything from thoughts to movements. We study how early-life seizures can disrupt these important connections as the brain develops. Using advanced recording techniques, we observe brain activity in real-time, focusing on regions responsible for thinking, learning, and memory. This helps us understand how seizures affect a child's ability to learn and process information and how we can help.
DiscoveringÌýNeuropeptide Therapeutics
The body naturally produces molecules called neuropeptides that help brain cells communicate. One of these, ACTH, is already used to treat severe epilepsy in children. We're studying how ACTH and similar molecules might protect the brain from seizure-related cognitive challenges. By understanding how these molecules work, we can develop better treatments that not only control seizures but also protect a child's ability to learn and develop normally.
Studying BrainÌýCell CommunicationÌý
The brain contains different types of cells that must work together for healthy development. Two key cells are neurons (which send electrical signals) and glia (which support and protect neurons). We're investigating how these cells interact during brain development, how seizures might disrupt their communication, and how we can protect these relationships.
DecodingÌýPersonalized Treatment Responses
Every child with epilepsy is unique, and what works for one child might not work for another. Through genetic studies and innovative research models, we're learning why these differences exist. This knowledge helps us move toward more personalized treatments that can be tailored to each child's specific needs.
Recent Research Highlights
Mechanisms for Improving Cognitive Outcome in Pediatric Epilepsy With ACTH
This project will study the mechanism underlying the effectiveness of ACTH (a drug given to patients with severe forms of pediatric epilepsy) in the prevention of cognitive deficits associated with early-life seizures in a rodent model. The results of these experiments have significant clinical relevance, as they will elucidate the role of a novel signaling pathway that may be used as a therapeutic target for cognitive deficits associated with pediatric epilepsy as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders.
A Role for Astrocytes in Treatment of Cognitive Deficits After Early-Life Seizure
Drugs that act on brain MC4Rs are very well-tolerated in humans and may provide a powerful therapeutic target to protect developing brains from damage associated with recurrent seizures. Understanding their mechanism of action, specifically as it relates to an understudied cell population in the brain, could elucidate more therapeutic targets in the future with broad applicability.
Leveraging Genetically Encoded Heterogeneity to Understand TANDs & Seizures in Novel Models of TSC
Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder that presents with epilepsy and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TANDs) but the mechanisms are unknown. We have a novel mouse panel that more faithfully recapitulates human TSC with the appropriate gene dosage and expression pattern and also shows the genetically controlled population-level phenotypic heterogeneity seen in humans. Leveraging this heterogeneity, from spontaneous seizures to behavioral abnormalities, will deliver unprecedented mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of TSC-associated epilepsy and TANDs.
Leveraging Genetic Diversity to Identify Astrocytic Modifiers of TSC Phenotypes
Astrocytes are key modulators of neural network development and mature neural activity in the healthy brain, and aspects of this interaction between cell types can go awry in neurological disease. Epilepsy is a devastating neurological disease characterized by hyperexcitability leading to seizures. This project will identify astrocytes that can alter the development of neural network structure and function in physiology and pathophysiology, enabling identification of novel therapeutic targets that can mitigate epilepsy phenotypes.
Major Grants
Our research is recognized and validated through generous grants. This support moves us forward and allows us to meaningfully contribute to scientific discovery. Our team has recently been awarded:Ìý
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National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institute of General Medical Sciences(NINDS/NIGMS)
R01 GrantÌý(2023-2027)Ìý|ÌýHernan, A. (PI) |ÌýLeveraging genetically encoded heterogeneity to understand TANDs and seizures in novel models of TSC. |Ìý$1.25 million
National Institute of General Medical SciencesÌý(NIGMS)Ìý
DE-COBRE DSU Team Science (2024-2025) | Hernan, A. (Co-PI) |ÌýFunctions of Na,K-ATPase beta1-subunit in cerebellar development and neurodevelopmental disorders. |Ìý$300,000
DelawareÌýAccelerating Clinical and Translational Research (ACCEL CTR)- Shovel-Ready (ShoRe)
University of Delaware (2024) | Hernan, A. (Pilot Project Lead) |ÌýLeveraging genetic diversity to identify astrocytic modifiers of TSC phenotypes. |Ìý$30,000
Private Funding
Holt Foundation
2023-2026 | Hernan, A. (PI) |ÌýLeveraging genetically encoded heterogeneity to understand TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders and seizures in novel models of tuberous sclerosis complex. | $25,000 per year
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Research Support & Collaborations
Our lab serves as a vital research hub at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and affiliated institutions, expanding the reach and depth of pediatric neurological research through advanced statistical analysis, computational research support, training, and consultation services and cross-disciplinary research collaboration.
Publications
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ researchers constantly contribute to advancing scientific understanding. We share our knowledge, insights, and discoveries to encourage collaboration and inspire further research.Ìý
Research in Context
Our labs contribute to research that informs pediatric care, working in alignment with research centers and focused areas of scientific study at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.
Neuroscience Center, Delaware Valley
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric neurology, epilepsy care, and neurodevelopmental services at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware and throughout Greater Philadelphia.
Neuroscience Research
RESEARCH AREA
We investigate brain development and neurological disorders to advance pediatric neuroscience through collaboration and translational science.