A novel method for obtaining epileptic brain tissue for omic analyses using electrodes from a clinical stereoelectroencephalography study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
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 snapfrozen 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.
Authors: Ninja Ehrnrooth, Salla M. Kangas, Alina Malyutina, Juha Wilenius, Antti Tuhkala, Salla Keskitalo, Kari Salokas, Markku Varjosalo, Hanna Lindgren, Anne Mäkelä, Olli Tynninen, Atte Karppinen, Leena Lauronen, Jukka Vanhanen, Päivi Nevalainen, Maria Peltola, Johanna Uusimaa, Reetta Hinttala, Eeva-Liisa Metsähonkala, Erika Ignatius
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7208820854