Dynamics, Development and Dysregulation

The study of epilepsy entails two major questions. What are the mechanisms underlying seizures, i.e. the pathological synchronous electrical discharges in neuronal networks? How does epileptogenesis occur, i.e. what are the mechanisms through which changes in neural function transform normally functioning circuits into pathological ones? Both questions focus on dynamic properties of neural circuits. The first focuses on short term network dynamics and how seizures arise suddenly (in seconds) from a normal electrical background. The second focuses on maladaptive changes in circuits that occur over a longer period of time (days to years) in response to, for example, genetic defects or injury. Improved understanding of these two issues will lead to enhanced treatment of patients with epilepsy and in new therapies that may ultimately prevent the development of epilepsy following brain injury.

The 2010 Gordon Conference on Mechanisms of Epilepsy and Neuronal Synchronization will present cutting edge research on the theme of dynamics of circuit function. The issue will be addressed at multiple levels of analysis, from function of single molecules, neurons, microcircuits, brain region and the entire brain. Studies utilizing a variety of modern approaches including neurophysiology, imaging, molecular biology, genetics, developmental neurosciences, and neuroanatomy will be presented. The purpose of this conference is to bring together specialists in these fields to discuss the complex issues that arise in the processes of seizure generation and progression. It is expected that a synthesis of current ideas will result and inform the critical next stage of experimental epilepsy research. Topics to be covered include microcircuit dynamics & emergence of synchrony, inhibitory neuron function and dysfunction, neuroinflammation, circuit homeostasis and short term dynamics, epigenetics & gene regulation, circuit development, neural progenitor cells, occult epileptogenic mechanisms, and epileptic ion channels and synaptic proteins.

In addition to our invited speakers at the main meeting, 8 short talks will be selected from submitted abstracts one to two weeks prior to the start of the meeting.