Understanding how astrocytes may help control epileptic seizures.

Normally, the brain maintains a careful balance between signals that excite neurons and signals that inhibit them. This is known as the excitation–inhibition (E/I) balance. When this balance is disrupted, seizures can occur.

Communication and activity in the brain are regulated by neuromodulators, such as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline influences how neurons and other brain cells respond to signals and helps control the E/I balance. However, the exact mechanisms of noradrenergic signaling in epilepsy are still not fully understood.

Our research focuses on astrocytes, a type of glial cell that supports neurons and helps regulate the E/I balance, for example by responding to neuromodulators such as noradrenaline.