Authors: Kokaia, Merab; Lundberg, Cecilia

Source: Future Neurology, Volume 1, Number 6, November 2006 , pp. 843-851(9)

Publisher: Future Medicine

Abstract:

Gene therapy for epilepsy is a relatively novel concept compared with previous approaches, which have relied on primary embryonic cells to deliver gene products of interest into localized brain regions. In vivo and ex vivo gene transfer offer promising, but yet insufficiently explored, possibilities to inhibit seizures, either by genetically modifying postmitotic neurons of the brain using viral vectors, or by transplanting genetically modified and in vitro tested cell lines, particularly stem cell lines, to produce and release gene products of interest. In this regard, neuropeptides are discussed as emerging candidates for such gene therapy approaches. Selective modification of newly generated neurons in the dentate gyrus by retroviral vector-based gene delivery opens novel possibilities in gene therapy for epilepsy. However, the limited number of new neurons targeted remains a main obstacle. Despite its early stage, gene therapy for epilepsy might not be a remote prospect for clinical trials, particularly in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. Ex vivo gene transfer using encapsulated genetically modified cells could be of particular value for such initial trials.

Keywords: animal models; gene delivery; gene therapy; neurogenesis; seizures; transplantation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/14796708.1.6.843

Publication date: 2006-11-01

More about this publication?

• Future Neurology provides a forum to address the most important challenges and advances in our understanding of neurological disease, and highlights emerging trends and prospects for effective treatments in common but very serious disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Information for Advertisers
• Terms & Conditions
• Information for Librarians
• E-Access Trials
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Neurology & Psychiatry
• By this author: Kokaia, Merab ;  Lundberg, Cecilia

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers