Compositions and methods for modulating neuronal excitability and motor behavior

Abstract

The invention is directed to compositions and methods for treating or reducing the likelihood of the development of epilepsy in an individual. The method comprises administering to the central nervous system of an individual in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of an agent capable of increasing the expression and/or activity of miR-128.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A method for treating or reducing the likelihood of the development or occurrence of seizures in an individual at risk for or having seizures, wherein said individual has suffered a prior brain injury caused by hypoxia or a prior traumatic brain injury comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of a miR-128 having the nucleotide sequence: 
       
         
           
                 
                 
               
                     
                   (SEQ ID NO: 1) 
                 
                     
                   UCACAGUGAACCGGUCUCUUU., 
                 
             
                
                
               
            
           
         
       
       wherein the administering the therapeutically effective amount of miR-128 does not comprise administering miR-128-expressing cells. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the agent miR-128 is administered intrathecally or intranasally. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the agent miR-128 is administered to the central nervous system of the individual. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the agent miR-128 is administered to the hippocampus or cortex. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the brain injury is caused by is hypoxia. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the hypoxia is caused by stroke. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the agent miR-128 is administered intrathecally or intranasally. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said individual has suffered a prior traumatic brain injury. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein the agent miR-128 is administered intrathecally or intranasally.