About this Research Topic
Animal models must have construct validity (similar etiology and a homologous neurobiological context), face validity (similar phenotypes as patients with epilepsy), and predictive validity (similar response to treatments that are effective in patients with epilepsy). This Research topic aims at improving the translational value of in vivo animal models, focusing on the various aspects of epileptic seizures in rodents: from genetic background and neurobiological correlates to neurobehavioral comorbidities. Many practical results have been achieved with a criterion-based approach recognizing the three model validities (i.e., construct, face, and predictive). Another approach may relate to gene therapy in vivo and genetic technologies, studying epigenetic factors involved in gene expression control and gene-environment interactions.
In this Research Topic, we welcome Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Perspective, and Opinion articles focusing on translational research done in rats/mice genetic models of epilepsy. We welcome contributions from electrophysiology, behavior, genetics, genetic engineering, computational neuroscience, and multidisciplinary studies in inbred rat/mice strains, knockout and genetically modified rats/mice. Themes of interest include, but are not limited to, the following points:
• How to improve the translational value of animal models?
• The knowledge gained from rats/mice strains with genetic predispositions to epilepsy.
• The knowledge gained from knockout and genetically modified rats/mice.
• New genetic technologies to model epilepsy in rats/mice.
• Novel treatment options for patients with therapy-resistant epilepsy.
Keywords: in vivo, spontaneous seizures, translational neuroscience, preclinical research, gene therapy, neurobehavioral comorbidities, gene-environment interactions
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.