We are interested in understanding genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, a genetically heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by treatment-resistant seizures and related cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. One focus of our laboratory is SCN8A encephalopathy, which is caused by variants in the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel gene SCN8A. We are using mouse models of SCN8A encephalopathy to investigate the pathogenesis of seizures, cognitive and motor impairment, sleep disruption, and other comorbidities. A second focus of the laboratory is regulation of gene expression in epilepsy, including the role of microRNA-mediated gene regulation in seizure pathology. Changes in gene expression in response to seizures represent potential therapeutic targets, and we are exploring several novel targets that we identified using transcriptome profiling in Scn8a mutant mice. Our ultimate goal is to elucidate mechanisms underlying developmental and epileptic encephalopathies to identify new therapeutic targets for these treatment-resistant disorders.