Many of you know Dr. Tim Benke as a clinician and medical expert treating CDKL5 patients at our Denver Center of Excellence.  But did you know he also has a lab dedicated to CDKL5 research? We are excited to announce IFCR funding for CDKL5 Regulation of Hippocampal Neuronal Function, Circuits and Plasticity, a project that will help MOVE CDKL5 research forward! 

According to Dr. Benke, ” My role in your community gives me perspective on why this is important. Families regard intellectual challenges as a concern and top priority. The hippocampus is a key waypoint in the development of learning and memory. This project will examine how CDKL5 function is absolutely critical during early development and onwards for hippocampal neuron function, circuits, and synaptic plasticity.”

What does this mean, and why does it matter? A better understanding of the CDKL5 protein’s role in neuronal development will help inform and move therapeutic strategies and treatments forward.  In other words, the results of this study could help researchers at other locations develop better treatments for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder.  

The IFCR is providing $100,000 seed funding for this project.  

From Dr. Benke: “Through your support, we are able to continue our collaborative, team effort (2 teams here in Colorado, North Carolina, and London, UK) to understand CDD better and keep trying to move the needle towards the most effective therapies. I am so grateful for your support while we move towards major NIH funding for this project. Come by the lab sometime! We all have CDD-green lab coats!”

Congratulations to Dr. Benke on the one-year grant for this project!