Focal malformations of cortical development: a most relevant etiology of epilepsy in children

Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of focal cortical dysplasia and their association with epilepsy: Experimental models as a research approach

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a structural lesion that is the most common anatomical lesion identified in children, and the second most common in adults with drug-resistant focal-onset epilepsy. These lesions vary in size, location, and histopathological manifestations. FCDs are classified into three subtypes associated with loss-of-function mutations in PI3K/AKT, TSC1/TSC2, RHEB, and DEPDC/NPRL2/NPRL3. During the decades of research into FCD, experimental models have played an irreplaceable role in the research design of studies investigating disease pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment. Further, the establishment of FCD experimental models has moved the field forward by (1) revealing the cellular processes and signaling pathways underlying FCD pathogenesis and (2) varying the methods and materials to study the function of FCD proteins. Currently, FCD experimental models are predominantly murine, with each model providing unique insights into FCD lesions. This review briefly summarizes the pathology and molecular functions of FCD, further comparing the available modeling methods and indexes, as well as the utilization of models, followed by an analysis of the similarities, advantages, and disadvantages between these models and human FCD.

From bedside to bench: New insights in epilepsy-associated tumors based on recent classification updates and animal models on brain tumor networks

Low-grade neuroepithelial tumors (LGNTs), particularly those with glioneuronal histology, are highly associated with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Increasing research focused on these neoplastic lesions did not translate into drug discovery; and anticonvulsant or antitumor therapies are not available yet. During the last years, animal modeling has improved, thereby leading to the possibility of generating brain tumors in mice mimicking crucial genetic, molecular and immunohistological features. Among them, intraventricular in utero electroporation (IUE) has been proven to be a valuable tool for the generation of animal models for LGNTs allowing endogenous tumor growth within the mouse brain parenchyma. Epileptogenicity is mostly determined by the slow-growing patterns of these tumors, thus mirroring intrinsic interactions between tumor cells and surrounding neurons is crucial to investigate the mechanisms underlying convulsive activity. In this review, we provide an updated classification of the human LGNT and summarize the most recent data from human and animal models, with a focus on the crosstalk between brain tumors and neuronal function.

Negative MRI and a seizure onset zone close to eloquent areas in FCD type II: Application of MRg-LiTT after a SEEG re-evaluation in pediatric patients with a previous failed surgery

OBJECTIVE

Negative MRI and an epileptogenic zone (EZ) adjacent to eloquent areas are two main issues that can be encountered during pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery. Focal Cortical Dysplasia type II (FCD type II) is the most common aetiology underlying a negative MRI. The objective of this study is to present three cases of pediatric patients exhibiting negative MRI and a seizure onset zone close to eloquent areas, who previously underwent traditional open surgery or SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulations (RF-TC). After seizure seizure recrudescence, pre-surgical SEEG was re-evaluated and Magnetic Resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRg-LiTT) was performed. We discuss the SEEG patterns, the planning of laser probes trajectories and the outcomes one year after the procedure.

METHODS

Pediatric patients who underwent SEEG followed by MRg-LiTT for drug-resistant epilepsy associated with FCD type II at our Centre were included. Pre-surgical videoEEG (vEEG), stereoEEG (sEEG), and MRI were reviewed. Post-procedure clinical outcome (measured by Engel score) and complications rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

Three patients underwent 3 MRg-LiTT procedures from January 2022 to June 2022. Epileptogenic zone was previously studied via SEEG in all the patients. All the three patients pre-surgical MRI was deemed negative. Mean age at seizure onset was 47 months (21-96 months), mean age at MRg-LiTT was 12 years (10 years 10 months - 12 years 9 months). Engel class Ia outcome was achieved in patients #2 and #3, Engel class Ib in patient #1. Mean follow-up length was of 17 months (13 months - 20 months). Complications occurred in one patient (patient #2, extradural hematoma).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of SEEG and MRg-LiTT in complex cases can lead to good outcomes both as a rescue therapy after failed surgery, but also as an alternative to open surgery after a successful SEEG-guided Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation (RF-TC). Specific SEEG patterns and a previous good outcome from RF-TC can be predictors of a favourable outcome.

PET/MRI Applications in Pediatric Epilepsy

Epilepsy neuroimaging assessment requires exceptional anatomic detail, physiologic and metabolic information. Magnetic resonance (MR) protocols are often time-consuming necessitating sedation and positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) comes with a significant radiation dose. Hybrid PET/MRI protocols allow for exquisite assessment of brain anatomy and structural abnormalities, in addition to metabolic information in a single, convenient imaging session, which limits radiation dose, sedation time, and sedation events. Brain PET/MRI has proven especially useful for accurate localization of epileptogenic zones in pediatric seizure cases, providing critical additional information and guiding surgical decision making in medically refractory cases. Accurate localization of seizure focus is necessary to limit the extent of the surgical resection, preserve healthy brain tissue, and achieve seizure control. This review provides a systematic overview with illustrative examples demonstrating the applications and diagnostic utility of PET/MRI in pediatric epilepsy.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of two cases with West syndrome and hypomelanosis of Ito with hemimegalencephaly: a report of two cases

Background

Hemimegalencephaly is an unusual congenital non-familial malformation of the brain which is characterized by enlargement of the whole or part of one hemisphere due to neural proliferation and dysfunction in the cell migration. The brain stem and cerebellum may also be involved. There are also the common cortical malformation, unusual white matter proliferation, gliosis, and abnormal myelination in hemimegalencephaly. In addition, structural brain abnormalities like atrophy/hypertrophy, demyelination, gliosis, increased thickness of the cortical grey matter, increase signal intensity in the subcortical white matter, abnormal gyral patterns, blurring of the grey-white matter transition, and hamartomatous aspect can be observed on magnetic resonance imaging.

Case presentation

Two patients who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging because of West syndrome and hypomelanosis of Ito were diagnosed as hemimegalencephaly. The first case was a 9-day-old male patient initially diagnosed with West syndrome. On the brain magnetic resonance imaging performed for epilepsy, right total hemimegalencephaly, diffuse polymicrogyria, and heterotopic grey matter foci on the right hemisphere were observed. In addition, right cerebellar dysgenesis, upward angulation in the lateral ventricle's anterior horn, and colpocephalic dilatation in the posterior horn were evident. The second case was a 2-year-old female patient with hypomelanosis of Ito disease. The main reason for her parents' hospital visit was the shortness of the right leg. Initial examination showed the hypopigmented lesions on the right side and hemihypertrophy in the left leg. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild hemimegalencephaly in the right cerebral hemisphere, T1-weighted isointense, T2-weighted hyperintense white matter lesions extending from the basal ganglia to the ventricular body and the periventricular fronto-parieto-occipital white matter, and dilatation of the lateral ventricle.

Conclusions

Hemimegalencephaly is a rare condition which may accompany syndromic cases with epilepsy or neurocutaneous disease. Brain magnetic resonance imaging should be performed in patients with a suspicious medical history in order to make the correct diagnosis of hemimegalencephaly and to determine the severity of brain involvement, if any.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C modulates cortical NMDA receptor activity in cortical lesions of young patients and rat model with focal cortical dysplasia

Emergence of dysmorphic neurons is the primary pathology in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) associated pediatric intractable epilepsy; however, the etiologies related to the development and function of dysmorphic neurons are not fully understood. Our previous studies revealed that the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and corresponding receptors VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3 was increased in the epileptic lesions of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex or mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Here, we showed that the expression of VEGF-C, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 was increased at both mRNA and protein levels in patients with cortical lesions of type I, IIa, and IIb FCD. The immunoreactivity of VEGF-C, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 was located in the micro-columnar neurons in FCD type I lesions, dysplastic neurons (DNs) in FCD type IIa lesions, balloon cells (BCs) and astrocytes in FCD type IIb lesions. Additionally, the amplitude of evoked-EPSCs (eEPSC) mediated by NMDA receptor, the ratio of NMDA receptor- and AMPA receptor-mediated eEPSC were increased in the dysmorphic neurons of FCD rats established by prenatal X-ray radiation. Furthermore, NMDA receptor mediated current in dysmorphic neurons was further potentiated by exogenous administration of VEGF-C, however, could be antagonized by ki8751, the blocker of VEGFR-2. These results suggest that VEGF-C system participate in the pathogenesis of cortical lesions in patients with FCD in association with modulating NMDA receptor-mediated currents.

Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets of Focal Cortical Dysplasia Based on Bioinformatics Analysis

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), a malformation of cortical development, is the most common cause of intractable epilepsy in children. However, the causes and underlying molecular events of FCD need further investigation. The microarray dataset GSE62019 and GSE97365 were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus. To examine critical genes and signaling pathways, bioinformatics analysis tools such as protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, miRNA-mRNA interaction networks, and immune infiltration in FCD samples were used to fully elucidate the pathogenesis of FCD. A total of 534 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 71 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were obtained. The DEGs obtained were enriched in ribosomal, protein targeting, and pathways of neurodegeneration multiple diseases, whereas the target genes of DEMs were enriched in signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, PI3K-Akt, etc. Finally, four hub genes (RPL11, FAU, RPS20, RPL27) and five key miRNAs (hsa-let-7b, hsa-miR-185, hsa-miR-23b, hsa-miR-222 and hsa-miR-92b) were obtained by PPI network, miRNA-mRNA network, and ROC analysis. The immune infiltration results showed that the infiltration levels of five immune cells (MDSC, regulatory T cells, activated CD8⁺ T cells, macrophage and effector memory CD8⁺ T cells) were slightly higher in FCD samples than in control samples. Moreover, the gene expressions of RPS19, RPL19, and RPS24 were highly correlated with the infiltration levels and immune characteristics of 28 immune cells. It broadens the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of FCD and enlightens the identification of molecular targets and diagnostic biomarkers for FCD.

Electroclinical and Multimodality Neuroimaging Characteristics and Predictors of Post-Surgical Outcome in Focal Cortical Dysplasia Type IIIa

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIIa is an easily ignored cause of intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, electrophysiological, and imaging characteristics in FCD type IIIa and to search for predictors associated with postoperative outcome in order to identify potential candidates for epilepsy surgery. We performed a retrospective review including sixty-six patients with FCD type IIIa who underwent resection for drug-resistant epilepsy. We evaluated the clinical, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging features for potential association with seizure outcome. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore their predictive role on the seizure outcome. We demonstrated that thirty-nine (59.1%) patients had seizure freedom outcomes (Engel class Ia) with a median postsurgical follow-up lasting 29.5 months. By univariate analysis, duration of epilepsy (less than 12 years) (p = 0.044), absence of contralateral insular lobe hypometabolism on PET/MRI (p_Log-rank = 0.025), and complete resection of epileptogenic area (p_Log-rank = 0.004) were associated with seizure outcome. The incomplete resection of the epileptogenic area (hazard ratio = 2.977, 95% CI 1.218–7.277, p = 0.017) was the only independent predictor for seizure recurrence after surgery by multivariate analysis. The results of past history, semiology, electrophysiological, and MRI were not associated with seizure outcomes. Carefully included patients with FCD type IIIa through a comprehensive evaluation of their clinical, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging characteristics can be good candidates for resection. Several preoperative factors appear to be predictive of the postoperative outcome and may help in optimizing the selection of ideal candidates to benefit from epilepsy surgery.

Transcriptomic profiling of high- and low-spiking regions reveals novel epileptogenic mechanisms in focal cortical dysplasia type II patients

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a malformation of the cerebral cortex with poorly-defined epileptogenic zones (EZs), and poor surgical outcome in FCD is associated with inaccurate localization of the EZ. Hence, identifying novel epileptogenic markers to aid in the localization of EZ in patients with FCD is very much needed. High-throughput gene expression studies of FCD samples have the potential to uncover molecular changes underlying the epileptogenic process and identify novel markers for delineating the EZ. For this purpose, we, for the first time performed RNA sequencing of surgically resected paired tissue samples obtained from electrocorticographically graded high (MAX) and low spiking (MIN) regions of FCD type II patients and autopsy controls. We identified significant changes in the MAX samples of the FCD type II patients when compared to non-epileptic controls, but not in the case of MIN samples. We found significant enrichment for myelination, oligodendrocyte development and differentiation, neuronal and axon ensheathment, phospholipid metabolism, cell adhesion and cytoskeleton, semaphorins, and ion channels in the MAX region. Through the integration of both MAX vs non-epileptic control and MAX vs MIN RNA sequencing (RNA Seq) data, PLP1, PLLP, UGT8, KLK6, SOX10, MOG, MAG, MOBP, ANLN, ERMN, SPP1, CLDN11, TNC, GPR37, SLC12A2, ABCA2, ABCA8, ASPA, P2RX7, CERS2, MAP4K4, TF, CTGF, Semaphorins, Opalin, FGFs, CALB2, and TNC were identified as potential key regulators of multiple pathways related to FCD type II pathology. We have identified novel epileptogenic marker elements that may contribute to epileptogenicity in patients with FCD and could be possible markers for the localization of EZ.

Neuropathology of Surgically Managed Epilepsy Specimens

Epilepsy is characterized as recurrent seizures, and it is one of the most prevalent disorders of the human nervous system. A large and diverse profile of different syndromes and conditions can cause perturbations in neural networks that are associated with epilepsy. Advances in neuroimaging and electrophysiological monitoring have enhanced our ability to localize the neuropathological lesions that alter the neural networks giving rise to epilepsy, whereas advances in surgical management have resulted in excellent seizure control in many patients following resections. Histopathologic study using a variety of special stains, molecular analysis, and functional studies of these resected tissues has facilitated the neuropathological characterization of these lesions. Here, we review the neuropathology of common structural lesions that cause epilepsy and are amenable to neurosurgical resection, such as hippocampal sclerosis, focal cortical dysplasia, and its associated principal lesions, including long-term epilepsy-associated tumors, as well as other malformations of cortical development and Rasmussen encephalitis.

Genetic Effects of the Schizophrenia-Related Gene DTNBP1 in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Recent studies have reported patients who concurrently exhibit conditions of epilepsy and schizophrenia, indicating certain shared pathologies between them. This study aimed to investigate the genetic effects of the schizophrenia-related gene DTNBP1 in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). A total of 496 TLE patients and 528 healthy individuals were successfully genotyped for six DTNBP1 polymorphisms (rs760665, rs1011313, rs2619528, rs2619522, rs909706, and rs2619538), including 335 TLE patients and 325 healthy controls in cohort 1, and 161 TLE patients and 203 healthy controls in cohort 2. The frequency of the TT genotype at rs909706 T > C was lower in TLE patients than in normal controls in the initial cohort (cohort 1), which was confirmed in an independent cohort (cohort 2). However, the intronic T allele failed to be in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with any functional variations nearby; thus, together with the CCAC and TCAT haplotypes (rs1011313-rs2619528-rs2619522-rs909706) observed in the study, this allele acts only as a protective factor against susceptibility to TLE. Meanwhile, a novo mutant allele rs2619538 T > A was exclusively observed in TLE patients, and a dual-luciferase assay revealed that the mutant allele was increased by approximately 22% in the DTNBP2 promoter compared with the wild-type allele. Together with the trend of increasing DTNBP1 expression in epilepsy patients and animal models in this study, these are the first findings to demonstrate the genetic association of DTNBP1 with TLE. Homozygous mutation of rs2619538 T > A likely promotes DTNBP1 expression and facilitates subsequent processes in epilepsy pathologies. Thus, the role of DTNBP1 in TLE deserves further exploration in the future.

Novel tonometer device distinguishes brain stiffness in epilepsy surgery

Complete surgical resection of abnormal brain tissue is the most important predictor of seizure freedom following surgery for cortical dysplasia. While lesional tissue is often visually indiscernible from normal brain, anecdotally, it is subjectively stiffer. We report the first experience of the use of a digital tonometer to understand the biomechanical properties of epilepsy tissue and to guide the conduct of epilepsy surgery. Consecutive epilepsy surgery patients (n = 24) from UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital were recruited to undergo intraoperative brain tonometry at the time of open craniotomy for epilepsy surgery. Brain stiffness measurements were corrected with abnormalities on neuroimaging and histopathology using mixed-effects multivariable linear regression. We collected 249 measurements across 30 operations involving 24 patients through the pediatric epilepsy surgery program at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. On multivariable mixed-effects regression, brain stiffness was significantly associated with the presence of MRI lesion (β = 32.3, 95%CI 16.3–48.2; p < 0.001), severity of cortical disorganization (β = 19.8, 95%CI 9.4–30.2; p = 0.001), and recent subdural grid implantation (β = 42.8, 95%CI 11.8–73.8; p = 0.009). Brain tonometry offers the potential of real-time intraoperative feedback to identify abnormal brain tissue with millimeter spatial resolution. We present the first experience with this novel intraoperative tool for the conduct of epilepsy surgery. A carefully designed prospective study is required to elucidate whether the clinical application of brain tonometry during resective procedures could guide the area of resection and improve seizure outcomes.

Ultra-High-Field Targeted Imaging of Focal Cortical Dysplasia: The Intracortical Black Line Sign in Type IIb

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Conventional MR imaging has limitations in detecting focal cortical dysplasia. We assessed the added value of 7T in patients with histologically proved focal cortical dysplasia to highlight correlations between neuropathology and ultra-high-field imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2013 and 2019, we performed a standardized 7T MR imaging protocol in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. We focused on 12 patients in whom postsurgical histopathology revealed focal cortical dysplasia and explored the diagnostic yield of preoperative 7T versus 1.5/3T MR imaging and the correlations of imaging findings with histopathology. We also assessed the relationship between epilepsy surgery outcome and the completeness of surgical removal of the MR imaging-visible structural abnormality.

RESULTS

We observed clear abnormalities in 10/12 patients using 7T versus 9/12 revealed by 1.5/3T MR imaging. In patients with focal cortical dysplasia I, 7T MR imaging did not disclose morphologic abnormalities (n = 0/2). In patients with focal cortical dysplasia II, 7T uncovered morphologic signs that were not visible on clinical imaging in 1 patient with focal cortical dysplasia IIa (n = 1/4) and in all those with focal cortical dysplasia IIb (n = 6/6). T2*WI provided the highest added value, disclosing a peculiar intracortical hypointense band (black line) in 5/6 patients with focal cortical dysplasia IIb. The complete removal of the black line was associated with good postsurgical outcome (n = 4/5), while its incomplete removal yielded unsatisfactory results (n = 1/5).

CONCLUSIONS

The high sensitivity of 7T T2*-weighted images provides an additional tool in defining potential morphologic markers of high epileptogenicity within the dysplastic tissue of focal cortical dysplasia IIb and will likely help to more precisely plan epilepsy surgery and explain surgical failures.

Stage-dependent involvement of ADAM10 and its significance in epileptic seizures

The prevalence of epileptic seizures in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has attracted an increasing amount of attention in recent years, and many cohort studies have found several risk factors associated with the genesis of seizures in AD. Among these factors, young age and severe dementia are seemingly contradictory and independent risk factors, indicating that the pathogenesis of epileptic seizures is, to a certain extent, stage‐dependent. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain‐containing protein 10 (ADAM10) is a crucial α‐secretase responsible for ectodomain shedding of its substrates; thus, the function of this protein depends on the biological effects of its substrates. Intriguingly, transgenic models have demonstrated ADAM10 to be associated with epilepsy. Based on the biological effects of its substrates, the potential pathogenic roles of ADAM10 in epileptic seizures can be classified into amyloidogenic processes in the ageing stage and cortical dysplasia in the developmental stage. Therefore, ADAM10 is reviewed here as a stage‐dependent modulator in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Current data regarding ADAM10 in epileptic seizures were collected and reviewed for potential pathogenic roles (ie amyloidogenic processes and cortical dysplasia) and regulatory mechanisms (ie transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation). These findings are then discussed in terms of the significance of the stage‐dependent functions of ADAM10 in epilepsy. Several potential targets for seizure control, such as candidate transcription factors and microRNAs that regulate ADAM10, as well as potential genetic screening tools for the early recognition of cortical dysplasia, have been suggested but must be studied in more detail.

Focal Cortical Dysplasia and Refractory Epilepsy: Role of Multimodality Imaging and Outcome of Surgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is one of the most common causes of drug resistant epilepsy. Our aim was to evaluate the role of presurgical noninvasive multimodality imaging techniques in selecting patients with refractory epilepsy and focal cortical dysplasia for epilepsy surgery and the influence of the imaging modalities on long-term seizure freedom.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of data of 188 consecutive patients with FCD and refractory epilepsy with at least 2 years of postsurgery follow-up. Predictors of seizure freedom and the sensitivity of neuroimaging modalities were analyzed.

RESULTS

MR imaging showed clear-cut FCD in 136 (72.3%) patients. Interictal FDG-PET showed focal hypo-/hypermetabolism in 144 (76.6%); in 110 patients in whom ictal SPECT was performed, focal hyperperfusion was noted in 77 (70.3%). Focal resection was the most common surgery performed in 112 (59.6%). Histopathology revealed FCD type I in 102 (54.3%) patients. At last follow-up, 124 (66.0%) were seizure-free. Complete resection of FCD and type II FCD were predictors of seizure freedom. Localization of FCD on either MR imaging or PET or ictal SPECT had the highest sensitivity for seizure freedom at 97.5%. Among individual modalities, FDG-PET had the highest sensitivity (78.2%), followed by MR imaging (75.8%) and ictal SPECT (71.8%). The sensitivity of MR imaging to localize type I FCD (60.8%) was significantly lower than that for type II FCD (84.8%, P < .001). Among 37 patients with subtle MR imaging findings and a focal FDG-PET pattern, 30 patients had type I FCD.

CONCLUSIONS

During presurgical multimodality evaluation, localization of the extent of the epileptogenic zone in at least 2 imaging modalities helps achieve seizure freedom in about two-thirds of patients with refractory epilepsy due to FCD. FDG-PET is the most sensitive imaging modality for seizure freedom, especially in patients with type I FCD.

Brain Somatic Mutations in MTOR Disrupt Neuronal Ciliogenesis, Leading to Focal Cortical Dyslamination

Focal malformations of cortical development (FMCDs), including focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and hemimegalencephaly (HME), are major etiologies of pediatric intractable epilepsies exhibiting cortical dyslamination. Brain somatic mutations in MTOR have recently been identified as a major genetic cause of FMCDs. However, the molecular mechanism by which these mutations lead to cortical dyslamination remains poorly understood. Here, using patient tissue, genome-edited cells, and mouse models with brain somatic mutations in MTOR, we discovered that disruption of neuronal ciliogenesis by the mutations underlies cortical dyslamination in FMCDs. We found that abnormal accumulation of OFD1 at centriolar satellites due to perturbed autophagy was responsible for the defective neuronal ciliogenesis. Additionally, we found that disrupted neuronal ciliogenesis accounted for cortical dyslamination in FMCDs by compromising Wnt signals essential for neuronal polarization. Altogether, this study describes a molecular mechanism by which brain somatic mutations in MTOR contribute to the pathogenesis of cortical dyslamination in FMCDs.

The Thymus/Neocortex Hypothesis of the Brain: A Cell Basis for Recognition and Instruction of Self

The recognition of internal and external sources of stimuli, the self from non-self, seems to be an intrinsic property to the adequate functioning of the immune system and the nervous system, both complex network systems that have evolved to safeguard the self biological identity of the organism. The mammalian brain development relies on dynamic and adaptive processes that are now well described. However, the rules dictating this highly constrained developmental process remain elusive. Here we hypothesize that there is a cellular basis for brain selfhood, based on the analogy of the global mechanisms that drive the self/non-self recognition and instruction by the immune system. In utero education within the thymus by multi-step selection processes discard overly low and high affinity T-lymphocytes to self stimuli, thus avoiding expendable or autoreactive responses that might lead to harmful autoimmunity. We argue that the self principle is one of the chief determinants of neocortical brain neurogenesis. According to our hypothesis, early-life education on self at the subcortical plate of the neocortex by selection processes might participate in the striking specificity of neuronal repertoire and assure efficiency and self tolerance. Potential implications of this hypothesis in self-reactive neurological pathologies are discussed, particularly involving consciousness-associated pathophysiological conditions, i.e., epilepsy and schizophrenia, for which we coined the term autophrenity.

Tubulin β-III modulates seizure activity in epilepsy

Tubulin β-III (TUBB3) is the most dynamic β-tubulin isoform expressed in neurons, and is highly expressed in the central nervous system. However, the relationship between TUBB3 and epileptic seizures has not been thoroughly investigated. The aims of this study were to investigate the expression of TUBB3 in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and two different rat models of chronic epilepsy, and to determine the specific roles of TUBB3 in epilepsy. TUBB3 expression was upregulated in human and rat epileptic tissue. Moreover, TUBB3 expression was associated with inhibitory GABAergic neurons and the inhibitory postsynaptic scaffold protein gephyrin. TUBB3 downregulation attenuated the behavioural phenotypes of epileptic seizures during the pilocarpine-induced chronic phase of epileptic seizures and the pentylenetetrazole kindling process, whereas TUBB3 overexpression had the opposite effect. Whole-cell clamp recordings and western blotting revealed that the amplitude of GABA-A receptor-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents and the surface expression of the GABA-A receptor were increased in rats in which TUBB3 expression was downregulated. Importantly, TUBB3 interacted with GABA-A receptor-associated protein, which is known to be involved in GABA-A receptor trafficking. These results indicate that TUBB3 plays a critical role in the regulation of epileptic seizures via GABA-A receptor trafficking, suggesting a molecular mechanism for new therapeutic strategies. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Expression of TRPC6 and BDNF in Cortical Lesions From Patients With Focal Cortical Dysplasia

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) likely results from abnormal migration of neural progenitor cells originating from the subventricular zone. To elucidate the roles in molecules that are involved in neural migration pathway abnormalities in FCDs, we investigated the expression patterns of transient receptor potential canonical channel 6 (TRPC6) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in cortical lesions from FCD patients and in samples of normal control cortex. TRPC6 and BDNF mRNA and protein levels were increased in FCD lesions. By immunohistochemistry, they were strongly expressed in microcolumns, heterotopic neurons, dysmorphic neurons, and balloon cells (BCs). Colocalization assays revealed that most of the misshapen TRPC6-positive or heterotopic cells had a neuronal lineage with the exception of TRPC6-positive FCDiib patient BCs, which had both neuronal and glial features. Most TRPC6-positive cells were glutamatergic neurons. There was also greater expression of calmodulin-dependent kinase IV (CaMKIV), the downstream factor of TRPC6, in FCD lesions, suggesting that TRPC6 expression promoted dendritic growth and the development of dendritic spines and excitatory synapses via the CaMKIV-CREB pathway in FCD. Thus, overexpression of BDNF and TRPC6 and activation of the TRPC6 signal transduction pathway in cortical lesions of FCD patients may contribute to FC pathogenesis and epileptogenesis.

Focal Cortical Dysplasia in Childhood Epilepsy

Focal cortical dysplasia is a common cause of medication resistant epilepsy. A better understanding of its presentation, pathophysiology and consequences have helped us improved its treatment and outcome. This paper reviews the most recent classification, pathophysiology and imaging findings in clinical research as well as the knowledge gained from studying genetic and lesional animal models of focal cortical dysplasia. This review of this recently gained knowledge will most likely help develop new research models and new therapeutic targets for patients with epilepsy associated with focal cortical dysplasia.

Clinical Profile of Children with Malformations of Cortical Development

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the clinical-radiological profile of children with malformations of cortical development.

METHODS

This observational study was conducted at a tertiary care child hospital of north India. Clinical-radiological data records were reviewed and assessment of children's functioning in five key areas of physical, adaptive behavior, social emotional, cognitive and communication was performed using Developmental Profile-3.

RESULTS

Sixty-four cases of "Malformations of cortical development" were studied. The commonest malformations were lissencephaly (14/64), agyria-pachygyria (14/64) and schizencephaly (14/64). Focal cortical dysplasia (n = 12), hemimegalencephaly (n = 4), polymicrogyria (n = 3) and heterotopias (n = 3) were the other malformations seen. On Developmental Profile-3, 90 % children had developmental delay.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides important data on the pattern of malformations of cortical development seen in a tertiary care hospital. It emphasizes that all children with developmental delay and seizures should be evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging.

Congenital brain malformations in the neonatal and early infancy period

Congenital brain malformations are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients who are younger than 2 years. Optimization of patient care requires accurate diagnosis, which can be challenging as congenital brain malformations include an extensive variety of anomalies. Radiologic imaging helps to identify the malformations and to guide management. Understanding radiologic findings necessitates knowledge of central nervous system embryogenesis. This review discusses the imaging of congenital brain malformations encountered in patients who are younger than 2 years in the context of brain development.

Electro-clinical-pathological correlations in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) at young ages

The prevalence of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in pediatric patients with focal epilepsy is not exactly known because authors of publications in which the etiologies of epilepsies are listed, but which are not dealing specifically with epilepsy surgery issues, tend to lump together the many kinds of malformations of cortical development (MCD), of which FCDs, because of their relative frequency, are the most relevant subtypes. Out of 561 patients with MCD (children and adults) operated at centers in Europe who do feed data into the "European Epilepsy Brain Bank," 426 (76 %) had FCD.

Outcome after epilepsy surgery for cortical dysplasia in children

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Epilepsy surgery for medically refractory epilepsy secondary to cortical dysplasia in children poses special challenges. We aim to review the current available literature on the outcome after epilepsy surgery for cortical dysplasia in children and critically evaluate the prognostic predictors of outcome.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed focusing on the outcome after epilepsy surgery for cortical dysplasia in children. Two large recent meta-analyses that included children and adults and several pediatric series of cortical dysplasia in children were reviewed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The overall seizure freedom rates range from 40 to 73 %, at about 2 years after surgery; most studies report 50-55% success rate. Complete resection of the epileptogenic lesion/zone remains the most important variable predictive of postoperative seizure freedom. Features unique to cortical dysplasia that limits our ability to ensure complete resection of the epileptogenic zone are reviewed.