About the research:
This project investigates the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for the formation, stabilization, and propagation of epileptic seizure engrams in the brain. Using genetic and pharmacological animal models of epilepsy, we combine activity-dependent neuronal labeling, high-resolution morphological analyses, and behavioral approaches to map epileptogenic networks across development and disease progression. The proposal seeks to identify critical nodes of neuronal recruitment and pathological plasticity mechanisms that sustain seizure recurrence and generalization. By integrating neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and experimental pharmacology, the project aims to generate new paradigms for understanding epileptogenesis and to support innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at selectively interrupting seizure networks.
Awards and honors:
🏆 Capstone Grant – The Histochemical Society (2023)
🏆 Best Poster Award – International Symposium NEWroscience 2023: Epilepsy & Neuropsychiatric Comorbidities, Universidade de São Paulo (2023)
🏆 Best Poster Award – Symposium Neuroscience In Focus, Federal University of Minas Gerais (2024)
🏆 Best Scientific Work – Brazilian League of Epilepsy (2016)
🏆 Academic Distinction – Semana do Conhecimento UFMG, Federal University of Minas Gerais (2021–2022)
Selected publications:
Santos, V. R.; Jerow, L. G.; Lasarge, C. L. Behavioral analyses in rodent models of tuberous sclerosis complex. Epilepsy & Behavior, 165, 110313, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110313
Santos, V. R.; Melo, I. S.; Pacheco, A. L. D.; Castro, O. W. Life and death in the hippocampus: What’s bad? Epilepsy & Behavior, 1, 106595, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106595
Fernandes, R. A.; Ribeiro, J. V. M.; Torres, R. E.; Borges, G. B.; Freitas, L. G. R.; de Castro, O. W.; Moraes, M. F. D.; Garcia-Cairasco, N.; Moreira, F. A.; Santos, V. R. Cannabidiol potentiates phenobarbital-induced cell death in the developing brain. Neurotoxicology, 110, 10–22, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuro.2025.06.005
Pinto, L. S.; de Oliveira, M. S.; Borges, G. B.; de Castro, O. W.; Moreira, F. A.; Santos, V. R. Cannabidiol potentiates phenobarbital effects in the control of pentylenetetrazole-induced epileptic seizures in neonate rats. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 13, 1673345, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2025.1673345
Fernandes, R. A.; de Oliveira, M. S.; de Castro, O. W.; Santos, V. R. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis and temporal lobe epilepsy: A potential key to understanding cognitive deficit. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 143, 111553, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2025.111553
Oliveira, M. S.; Fernandes, R. A.; Pinto, L. S.; Moreira, F. A.; de Castro, O. W.; Santos, V. R. Balancing efficacy and safety: The dual impact of antiseizure medications on the developing brain. Epilepsy & Behavior, 167, 110400, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2025.110400
