{
  "id": 9353274,
  "title": "Year-old brain organoids reveal astrocytes may fuel early-onset epilepsy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/year-old-brain-organoids-reveal-astrocytes-may-fuel-early-onset",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-23T15:00:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-year-brain-organoids-reveal-astrocytes.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Scientists have discovered that hyperactive astrocytes may be responsible for early-onset epilepsy in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), according to a new study using human brain organoids. These tiny, year-old organoids mimic the brain of a newborn and are providing new insights into this genetic disorder. TSC is characterized by the formation of tuber-like lesions in the brain, leading to severe seizures that often do not respond to common antiepileptic medications. The study's lead author, Helen Bateup of UC Berkeley, explains that hyperreactive astrocytes, one of three main types of glial cells in the brain, are generated as soon as they form in TSC organoids. This suggests that abnormal astrocytes and other glial cells may not only be a consequence of seizures but actually cause the lesions themselves. Bateup's findings challenge the previous assumption that neurons were primarily responsible for seizure activity, indicating that both cell types—neurons and glial cells—contribute to seizures and epilepsy. If hyperactive astrocytes are indeed the primary drivers of inflammation causing seizures in TSC, existing immunosuppressant drugs that target reactive cells could potentially be used to alleviate these intractable seizures.",
  "summary": "Tiny, year-old human brain organoids that mimic the brain of a newborn are providing new clues to potential treatments for a leading genetic cause of childhood epilepsy that typically manifests as the brain matures shortly after birth.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hyperactive astrocytes may cause early-onset epilepsy in TSC patients.",
    "Year-old brain organoids mimic newborn brain for study.",
    "Hyperreactive astrocytes generate in TSC organoids."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}