CureSHANK to award $250,000 for stimulating research on SHANK3-related epilepsy

CureSHANK will award a total of $250,000 aimed at stimulating research on SHANK3-related epilepsy, prevalent in PMS patients. The grants, CureSHANK Research to Cure Grant: Epilepsy (R2C Epilepsy), will provide targeted funding to support SHANK3-related epilepsy research projects. The awards aim to improve mechanistic and clinical knowledge of SHANK3-related epilepsy.

The PMS community lives under the long shadow of epilepsy: it is responsible for many deaths of both children and young adults with PMS, and it is among the disorder's most distressing symptoms. Nearly one-third of individuals living with PMS are diagnosed with epilepsy, often evolving into treatment-resistant epilepsy, or the most severe epileptic encephalopathy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. More than 50% of people with PMS will experience at least one seizure by adulthood.

This opportunity is open to investigators employed by institutions (public non-profit, private non-profit, or government) engaged in healthcare or health-related research. Applicants must hold an MD and/or PhD (or equivalent degree). International applicants are eligible to apply. There are no geographical restrictions. The lead PI must be a faculty member.