TOR-TREKking · Inhibition of the potassium channel TREK1 by mTOR: a mechanism for aberrant neuronal excitability in mTORopathies

Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and autism, affect millions of people worldwide with the underlying causes ranging from genetic mutations to developmental issues. Treatment options vary widely from anti-epileptic drugs to more severe approaches such as surgical interventions, underscoring the need to understand the underlying causes for developing effective treatment strategies. Among these neurological disorders are mTORopathies, a group of genetic diseases characterized by the dysregulation of the mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. The most common mTORopathy, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), leads to significant health challenges resulting in a reduced life expectancy of 10-20 years for affected newborns. Despite crucial progress in understanding mTOR dysregulation, the precise mechanisms by which it causes neurological hyperexcitability remain unclear, and current treatments present important limitations. This project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms driving mTORopathies and to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. The first comprehensive study of phosphorylation landscape in TSC brain in the host laboratory has identified TREK1 potassium channel as a novel target, potentially playing a critical role in the development of epileptic seizures. Using a range of multidisciplinary approaches, from molecular and cell biology techniques to neurological analyses, I aim to gain invaluable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying mTORopathies. Furthermore, by generating mouse models with modulated TREK1 activity, I aim to identify novel therapeutic strategies to counteract TSC. Understanding the molecular program underlying these diseases is essential to develop targeted therapies that improve patient outcomes. This research can significantly enhance our understanding of neurological disorders and contribute to more effective treatments, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and better quality of life for patients.