Laboratory of Epileptogenesis
Head: Katarzyna ŁUKASIUK
Staff: Joanna Bednarczyk (PhD student), Anna Bot (PhD student), Diana Miszczuk (PhD student), Elżbieta Wiernasz
Research profile:
Our research is concentrated on the molecular responses to brain injury and molecular events leading to the development of epilepsy. We are particularly interested in alterations in gene expression that lead to the development of spontaneous seizures in in vivo models of epileptogenesis and epilepsy. We are also interested in developing new strategies to prevent epilepsy development.
Methods:
• animal models of epileptogenesis and epilepsy
• video-EEG monitoring
• neuronal cell cultures
• gene silencing and overexpresssion in neurons in vitro
• in situ hybridization
• RT-PCR
• immunohistochemistry
• immunocytochemistry
• immunoblotting
• basic molecular biology methods
Current research activities:
• search for new genes involved in development of epilepsy
• the role of Ttyh1 in normal brain and in brain pathology
• investigation of compounds influencing immune system as a potential drugs for modification of epileptogenesis and epilepsy
• role of neurogenesis in epileptogenesis and epilepsy
Selected publications:
Pitkänen A., Łukasiuk K. (2011) Mechanisms of epileptogenesis and potential treatment targets. Lancet Neurolology, 10: 173-186.
Guzik-Kornacka A., Śliwa A., Plucinska G., Łukasiuk K. (2011) Status epilepticus evokes prolonged increase in the expression of CCL3 and CCL4 mRNA and protein in the rat brain. Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis, 71: 193-207.
Stefaniuk M., Świech L., Dzwonek J., Łukasiuk K. (2010) Expression of Ttyh1, a member of the Tweety family in neurons in vitro and in vivo and its potential role in brain pathology. Journal of Neurochemistry, 115: 1183-1194.
Stefaniuk M., Łukasiuk K. (2010) Cloning of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) representing putative epileptogenesis-related genes and the localization of their expression in the normal brain. Neuroscience Letters, 482: 230-234.
Pitkänen A., Łukasiuk K. (2009) Molecular and cellular basis of epileptogenesis in symptomatic epilepsy. Epilepsy and Behavior, 14: 16-25
