The impact of supplemental vitamin D on motor learning and seizures in mice with hyperactive mTOR induced epilepsy and ataxia.
Genetic mutations that cause hyperactive mTOR signaling in the cerebellum lead to disrupted cerebellar growth, debilitating motor impairments, and may contribute to the development of epilepsy. mTOR inhibitors can reduce seizures and may prevent behavioral impairments but are associated with serious side effects. Thus, a critical need for better therapies to treat individuals with hyperactive mTOR induced motor impairments and epilepsy remains. Vitamin D has been shown to suppress mTOR signaling and abate seizure severity. However, it has not been determined if vitamin D can ameliorate the development of motor impairments and epilepsy caused by hyperactive mTOR signaling. Here, we determine the effects of high dose vitamin D on cerebellar growth, mTOR signaling, and markers of vitamin D signaling and metabolism in a mouse model of hyperactive mTOR induced epilepsy and ataxia.
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), Vitamin D., Cerebellum., Epilepsy.
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