Lena Nguyen

Lena Nguyen

Assistant Professor

Research Interests: Cortical development and molecular mechanisms of epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders

 
972-883-2360
BSB 10.510
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ORCID
Tags: Neuroscience-Faculty

Professional Preparation

Postdoctoral Associate - Neurosurgery, Cellular & Molecular Physiology
Yale University School of Medicine - 2022
Ph.D. - Neuroscience
Baylor College of Medicine - 2016
B.S. - Biology
University of Houston - 2009

Research Areas

My lab focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of brain development and how dysregulation of molecular signaling pathways contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders. Our ultimate goal is to enhance neuroscience knowledge to advance the treatment and prevention of human diseases.

Keywords: 
  • Neurodevelopment
  • Development of the cerebral cortex
  • Molecular mechanisms of epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders
  • mTOR signaling
  • Translational control
 

Publications

Current Review in Basic Science: Animal Models of Focal Cortical Dysplasia and Epilepsy 2022 - Journal Article
Inhibition of MEK-ERK signaling reduces seizures in two mouse models of tuberous sclerosis complex. 2022 - Journal Article
Expression of 4E-BP1 in juvenile mice alleviates mTOR-induced neuronal dysfunction and epilepsy. 2021 - Journal Article
Corrigendum: Convergent and Divergent Mechanisms of Epileptogenesis in mTORopathies 2021 - Journal Article
Convergent and Divergent Mechanisms of Epileptogenesis in mTORopathies 2021 - Journal Article
Ectopic HCN4 expression drives mTOR-dependent epilepsy in mice 2020 - Journal Article
Filamin A inhibition reduces seizure activity in a mouse model of focal cortical malformations 2020 - Journal Article
mTOR Hyperactivity Levels Influence the Severity of Epilepsy and Associated Neuropathology in an Experimental Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Focal Cortical Dysplasia 2019 - Journal Article

Awards

American Epilepsy Society Fellows Program - American Epilepsy Society [2019]
Epilepsia Basic Science Prize - International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) [2016]
Grass Foundation Young Investigator Award - American Epilepsy Society [2014]

Appointments

Assistant Professor
University of Texas at Dallas [2023–Present]

Funding

4E-BP1 Gene Therapy for Treating Epilepsy in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Focal Cortical Dysplasia Type II
- Yale Swebilius Foundation Grant [2020/09–2021/08]
Role of mTORC1-Dependent Translation in Developmental Epilepsy
- NIH-NICHD: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship (F32) [2019/02–2022/01]
mTORC1-Dependent Translational Control in Developmental Epilepsy
- American Epilepsy Society Postdoctoral Fellowship [2018/07–2019/06]
mTORC1-Dependent Translational Control of Neuronal Hyperexcitability and Seizures
- Yale Brown-Coxe Postdoctoral Fellowship [2017/07–2018/06]
Inflammation in Epilepsy Associated with Cortical Dysplasia
- Epilepsy Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship [2013/01–2013/12]