Neuroscience Research
Center Leader: Michael Robinson, PhD
A startling number of children are afflicted with diseases of the nervous system. These disorders include epilepsy, stroke, head trauma, autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, many genetic disorders, such as inborn errors of metabolism, manifest with primary brain dysfunction. Concern for pediatric health related to these disorders has heightened because of evidence that some have had an increased incidence over the past three decades.
Although some of these disorders, like stroke, have been traditionally associated with the elderly, recent studies suggest that children are also at risk. Additionally, the incidence of autism and seizures are troubling. These disorders collectively place a significant strain not only on children and their families but also on society.
Children’s Hospital follows the largest and most diverse population of children with neurologic, psychiatric and developmental disabilities in the country. Outstanding clinical and basic researchers complement the clinical care programs throughout the Hospital. The Neuroscience Research Affinity Group facilitates the development of targeted investigation and fosters the interactions necessary to rapidly translate research into best clinical practices. The affinity group targets four areas of research priorities: neuroprotection, epilepsy, stress biology and autism/complex neurobehavioral disorders.
Neuroscience investigators are currently conducting a pediatric stroke program and a multi-site study of the incidence and outcomes of stroke in children and adolescents. Researchers are also investigating the changes in neurons that lead to epilepsy and to understanding how a ketogenic diet – high in fat, low in carbohydrates and protein – reduces seizure frequency. Autism research is conducted with the support of the Regional Autism Center (RAC), which provides assessment and management for research in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders.
In addition, affinity group members are actively involved with the Institutional Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (MRDDRC), which has been active for the past 15 years. This center strives to coordinate and enhance mental retardation research at Children’s Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania. It provides services to more than 90 NIH funded projects with an aggregate value of more than $12 million.
Children’s Hospital researchers also benefit from the Center for Dynamic Imaging and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder primary care center. By creating clinical centers that focus on specific disease groups, investigators can develop disease-based research models that may be used to produce targeted treatment approaches for a variety of conditions.
The neuroscience research community is strengthened by the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities training grant that supports postdoctoral fellows, the Leadership Development through Interdisciplinary Training – commonly known as LEND – and yearly fellows’ poster day, where post-doctoral trainees present their research to the community. The group also organizes seminar series and meetings to attract esteemed scientists from around the world.