Peltola, M. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

A novel method for obtaining epileptic brain tissue for omic analyses using electrodes from a clinical stereoelectroencephalography study

Abstract Purpose: Developing a valid and practical method for obtaining brain tissue samples for transcriptomic and proteomic analyses using tissue adhered to stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes, to enable investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic epilepsy. Method: Brain tissue samples adhered to SEEG electrodes were collected from six patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and preprocessed in a hospital environment after electrode removal. RNA extraction was initiated immediately, and proteomics samples were snap-frozen until subsequent analysis. The samples were categorized into three groups according to their electrophysiological profile: epileptogenic zone, propagation zone, and least-involved zone. The omic findings between these zones and anatomical brain areas were compared. Results: High-quality RNA and protein samples were obtained from tissue adhered to SEEG electrodes. Neuron- and brain-specific gene expression patterns and proteins were identified. Signs of activation of inflammatory mechanisms were most pronounced in the epileptogenic zone. Transcriptomic and proteomic findings demonstrated concordance. Conclusion: SEEG electrodes are a useful source for obtaining brain tissue for molecular characterization of chronic epilepsy. This method will enable the identification of shared and distinct molecular mechanisms in patients with varying etiologies of epilepsy.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2019

Associations between neonatal cry acoustics and visual attention during the first year

It has been suggested that early cry parameters are connected to later cognitive abilities. The present study is the first to investigate whether the acoustic features of infant cry are associated with cognitive development already during the first year, as measured by oculomotor orienting and attention disengagement. Cry sounds for acoustic analyses (fundamental frequency; F0) were recorded in two neonatal cohorts at the age of 0-5 days (Tampere, Finland) or at 6 weeks (Cape Town, South Africa). Eye tracking was used to measure oculomotor orienting to peripheral visual stimuli and attention disengagement from central stimuli at 8 months (Tampere) or at 6 months (Cape Town) of age. In the Tampere cohort, a marginal positive correlation between fundamental frequency of cry (F0) and visual attention disengagement was observed; infants with a higher neonatal F0 were slower to shift gaze away from the central stimulus to the peripheral stimulus. However, a similar correlation was not observed in the Cape Town cohort. No associations between F0 and oculomotor orienting were observed in either cohort. We discuss possible factors influencing the discrepancy in results between the cohorts and suggest directions for future research investigating the potential of early cry analysis in predicting later cognitive development.

neuroscience↗