Dr. Christopher A. Walsh’s research focuses on the development, evolution, and function of the human cerebral cortex, including analysis of human genetic diseases that disrupt the structure and function of the cortex. Dr. Walsh and team have identified more than three dozen genes associated with neurological diseases. Through this project, Dr. Walsh aims to understand the functional impact of specific mosaic variants–present in some but not all cells–and their contribution to treatment-resistant causes of Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD) and mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (mTLE). The team will use newly developed single-cell genomic methods to define the cell types that generate seizures. This project will address fundamental questions about molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy to support the development of targeted therapies for individuals with epilepsy.