David S. Auerbach, Ph.D.

Patients with genetic ion channel diseases develop electrical disturbances in the brain (seizures) and heart (arrhythmias) that can lead to sudden death. Our lab takes a multi-system approach to explore the effects of genetic ion channel diseases on neuro-cardiac electrical function. For example, we perform patient database analyses to examine the co-prevalence and risk of seizures and arrhythmias. Then using cellular and animal models of the disease we perform molecular/biochemical and electrophysiological approaches to understand the underlying mechanisms for these neuro-cardiac pathologies. Ultimately, these results are validated using patient databases, and thus complete the full bedside-to-bench-to-bedside paradigm.

Millions of Americans have epilepsy and they are at a high risk of sudden death (e.g., Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, SUDEP.) Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. An algorithm that integrates biomarkers for each of the proposed mechanisms for SUDEP will revolutionize our ability to predict and prevent SUDEP. As cardiac events are one mechanism for SUDEP, we are investigating whether the patient's cardiac ECG provides clues into the risk of SUDEP. Also, we are testing whether cardiac ECG measures provide a novel outpatient method to distinguish the type of seizures.