Most cited article - PubMed ID 11978840
Electroencephalography (EEG) has been instrumental in epilepsy research for the past century, both for basic and translational studies. Its contributions have advanced our understanding of epilepsy, shedding light on the pathophysiology and functional organization of epileptic networks, and the mechanisms underlying seizures. Here we re-examine the historical significance, ongoing relevance, and future trajectories of EEG in epilepsy research. We describe traditional approaches to record brain electrical activity and discuss novel cutting-edge, large-scale techniques using micro-electrode arrays. Contemporary EEG studies explore brain potentials beyond the traditional Berger frequencies to uncover underexplored mechanisms operating at ultra-slow and high frequencies, which have proven valuable in understanding the principles of ictogenesis, epileptogenesis, and endogenous epileptogenicity. Integrating EEG with modern techniques such as optogenetics, chemogenetics, and imaging provides a more comprehensive understanding of epilepsy. EEG has become an integral element in a powerful suite of tools for capturing epileptic network dynamics across various temporal and spatial scales, ranging from rapid pathological synchronization to the long-term processes of epileptogenesis or seizure cycles. Advancements in EEG recording techniques parallel the application of sophisticated mathematical analyses and algorithms, significantly augmenting the information yield of EEG recordings. Beyond seizures and interictal activity, EEG has been instrumental in elucidating the mechanisms underlying epilepsy-related cognitive deficits and other comorbidities. Although EEG remains a cornerstone in epilepsy research, persistent challenges such as limited spatial resolution, artifacts, and the difficulty of long-term recording highlight the ongoing need for refinement. Despite these challenges, EEG continues to be a fundamental research tool, playing a central role in unraveling disease mechanisms and drug discovery.
- Keywords
- EEG, analysis, animal models, genetic epilepsies, high‐frequency oscillations, mechanisms, preclinical,
- MeSH
- Electroencephalography * methods MeSH
- Epilepsy * physiopathology diagnosis epidemiology MeSH
- Comorbidity MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Brain * physiopathology MeSH
- Seizures * physiopathology diagnosis MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channels are essential contributors to neuronal physiology where they play complex yet fundamentally important roles in shaping intrinsic excitability of nerve cells and neurotransmission. Aberrant neuronal excitability caused by alteration of T-type channel expression has been linked to a number of neuronal disorders including epilepsy, sleep disturbance, autism, and painful chronic neuropathy. Hence, there is increased interest in identifying the cellular mechanisms and actors that underlie the trafficking of T-type channels in normal and pathological conditions. In the present study, we assessed the ability of Stac adaptor proteins to associate with and modulate surface expression of T-type channels. We report the existence of a Cav3.2/Stac1 molecular complex that relies on the binding of Stac1 to the amino-terminal region of the channel. This interaction potently modulates expression of the channel protein at the cell surface resulting in an increased T-type conductance. Altogether, our data establish Stac1 as an important modulator of T-type channel expression and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the trafficking of T-type channels to the plasma membrane.
- Keywords
- Cav3.2 channel, Stac adaptor protein, T-type calcium channel, trafficking,
- MeSH
- Cell Membrane metabolism MeSH
- HEK293 Cells MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Nerve Tissue Proteins metabolism physiology MeSH
- Calcium Channels, T-Type metabolism physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- CACNA1H protein, human MeSH Browser
- Nerve Tissue Proteins MeSH
- Calcium Channels, T-Type MeSH