Sodium channels target identification

The epilepsies constitute a common, serious neurological disorder in humans, affecting approximately 60 million people worldwide. Well in excess of 40 distinct epileptic syndromes have been identified to date. Current treatment is only symptomatic except in uncommon instances when surgical treatment is possible. While available antiseizure medications target ion channels such as the y-amino-butyric acid (GABA)a receptor and voltage activated sodium (Na+) channels, current research seeks to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a normal brain becomes epileptic. Hopefully, this research will lead to the identification of new targets for which small molecules can be identified and used for prevention or cure of epilepsy. 

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