Researchers Pioneer Non-Surgical Method to Control Epileptic Seizures

Scientists at Rice University have developed a groundbreaking, non-surgical technique to manage seizure-related brain activity through the innovative use of sound waves and gene therapy. This method, which targets the hippocampus—an area closely associated with seizures—demonstrates a precise way to modulate brain circuits without invasive procedures.

The research team, led by Jerzy Szablowski, an assistant professor of bioengineering, employed low-intensity focused ultrasound to create temporary openings in the blood-brain barrier. This approach, termed acoustically targeted chemogenetics (ATAC), allows for selective activation or deactivation of specific neurons, enabling targeted treatment of epilepsy and potentially other neurological disorders.

In their experiments, the researchers injected tiny gas-filled bubbles into animal subjects’ bloodstream. When focused ultrasound waves were directed at the hippocampus, these bubbles expanded and contracted, pushing against blood vessel walls to create microscopic openings in the blood-brain barrier. This process facilitates the entry of gene therapy vectors, which carry genetic instructions for an inhibitory receptor that acts as a “dimmer switch” to regulate neuronal activity.

“This method aims the therapy precisely where it’s needed and offers control at the moment it is required, all without the need for surgery or permanent implants,” Szablowski stated. The findings illustrate that a single, targeted procedure can effectively modulate brain circuits while leaving surrounding areas untouched.

The study’s first author, Honghao Li, a doctoral student in bioengineering, emphasized the significance of targeting the hippocampus. “By precisely targeting this region, we can mitigate overactivity where it matters most, allowing for a more effective treatment approach,” Li explained.

The implications of this research extend beyond epilepsy. As both focused ultrasound and viral vector gene delivery methods are currently undergoing clinical trials, the team at Rice University believes that their findings could expedite the development of new therapies for various neurological conditions.

Advancements in Brain Therapy Technologies

This research represents a significant advancement for Szablowski’s team, which has also shown potential in delivering gene therapies across both large and small brain regions. They have developed another ultrasound-based technique known as recovery of markers through insonation (REMIS), which enables the release of proteins from targeted brain areas into the bloodstream for monitoring purposes.

“Together, these technologies enhance our ability to deliver therapies, control specific neurons, and measure the effects in the precise circuits we target,” Szablowski added. The ultimate aim is to establish a versatile platform that can safely access any brain region, provide precise delivery of genetic material, and allow clinicians to exercise control on demand.

The research underscores Rice University’s increasing commitment to advancing brain science and neurological health, now consolidated under the new Rice Brain Institute. The findings have been published in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience, marking a significant contribution to the field of neuroengineering and epilepsy treatment.

As researchers continue to refine these techniques, the potential for transformative therapies in managing neurological disorders becomes more tangible, offering hope for improved patient outcomes in the future.