Innovative Gene Profiling Method Revolutionizes Brain Research

A **revolutionary method** has been developed by researchers at FutureNeuro, RCSI University, and international partners to profile gene activity in the living human brain. This technique, published in JCI Insight, utilizes RNA and DNA collected from electrodes implanted in the brains of epilepsy patients. By linking these molecular traces with electrical recordings from the brain, scientists can capture a 'snapshot' of gene activity, offering unprecedented insights into the brain's seizure networks. This advancement has the potential to refine surgical interventions for epilepsy, benefiting the 40,000 individuals affected in Ireland, a third of whom cannot control seizures with medication. Professor David Henshall emphasizes the significance of integrating this method with traditional brain imaging and EEG tests. Beyond epilepsy, this research opens doors to exploring molecular processes in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia. The study, led by Henshall and Professor Vijay Tiwari, involved a global collaboration, highlighting the importance of international partnerships. Funded by FutureNeuro and the HEA North-South Research Programme, this work underscores a major leap in understanding brain function at the molecular level, offering hope for enhanced diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions.