Assistant Professor, Department of Neuroscience
618 Biomedical Research Tower
460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
Phone: 614-685-3566
Jacy.Wagnon@osumc.edu
Research Focus
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are a genetically heterogeneous group of neurological disorders characterized by early-onset seizures along with cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. The Wagnon laboratory is interested in understanding genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying DEE and identifying new treatment strategies for these severe disorders. Our current studies focus on DEE caused by variants in the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel gene SCN8A. We are developing mouse models of SCN8A encephalopathy to study pathogenesis of seizures and related comorbidities. A second focus of the lab is to investigate the role of regulation of gene expression in seizure pathology. Changes in mRNA and microRNA levels represent a general transcriptional response to seizures that may implicate new therapeutic targets.
Approaches
The Wagnon laboratory utilizes a variety of mouse models of SCN8A encephalopathy and other DEEs to investigate seizure pathology and study the relationship between seizures and cognitive, motor, and behavioral comorbidities. We also employ molecular techniques, including RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry to study regulation of gene expression in DEE.
Education and Training
PhD: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Postdoctoral Training: The Jackson Laboratory (with Wayne Frankel)
Postdoctoral Training: University of Michigan (with Miriam Meisler)
Research Scientist: University of Michigan, Department of Human Genetics