The Rotenberg Lab

FM Kirby Neurobiology Center | Boston Children's Hospital

We are dedicated to advancing new therapies for epilepsy caused by genetic disease and brain injury. Our lab brings together preclinical discovery and clinical research to move promising ideas toward meaningful treatments.

In rodent models, our current projects include gene replacement strategies for rare pediatric disorders of GABA homeostasis, including succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) and SLC6A1 neurodevelopmental disorder (SLC6A1-NDD). We also study interventions designed to suppress drug-resistant seizures and prevent epilepsy after traumatic brain injury.

In parallel, our clinical research program includes trials of novel anti-seizure therapies and the development of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols for children. TMS is a uniquely versatile neuromodulation tool: it can be used both to probe brain excitability and network function, and to deliver targeted therapeutic stimulation. Our work leverages both capabilities to better understand epilepsy and to develop new treatment strategies for pediatric patients.