Mattis Lab – Dissecting the circuit mechanisms of epilepsy

Our long-term goal is to develop new epilepsy treatments that are rationally designed to target precise circuit elements. We investigate how neuronal circuits are dysfunctional in epilepsy, and how these circuits can be modified to improve seizures.

The Mattis Lab is located in the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan. We are affiliated with the Department of Neurology and with the Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI). The lab was founded June 2022, and we have built a vibrant and productive lab community!

BSRB

Research

Our research combines slice and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and imaging techniques (2-photon and fiber photometry) in preclinical experimental models of epilepsy. We use this approach to study

The role of subcortical neuromodulatory networks in seizures
How subcortical neuromodulatory networks are chronically impacted in epilepsy

The role of subcortical neuromodulatory networks in seizures

The impact of chronic epilepsy on neuromodulatory networks

Lab News

2026-09-09 23:43:07 - Kicking off the 2026-2027 academic year
Joanna presented a "State of the lab" address for our first lab meeting of the academic year. It was exciting to reunite with our lab's many returning undergraduate students, and to welcome two new students, Sasha and Jasmine, to the team. Lots of exciting milestones are anticipated soon, including multiple manuscript planned for submission by the end of 2026.

2026-08-31 12:31:44 - Welcoming new students to the Mattis lab
We are happy to welcome several new undergraduate students to the Mattis lab for the 2026-2027 academic year. Sasha Ghai, a sophomore BCN major, will join the team characterizing the postictal phenotype in the Dravet model. Jasmine Ogutu, a sophomore Neuroscience major, will investigate a novel gene therapy approach to extend survival in an Scn8a model. Welcome to the team!

2026-08-19 17:05:53 - Krystal and Joanna present at the Epilepsy GRC
Joanna and Krystal attended the excellent "Mechanisms of Epilepsy and Neuronal Synchronization" Gordon Research Conference in Barcelona. As always for this conference, the scientific standard was extremely high, and the unique community-building experience was unmatched. Krystal presented her important work demonstrating that seizures disrupt subsequent ictal respiration, providing a mechanistic link between seizure burden and SUDEP risk. Joanna gave an invited talk highlighting on the impact of seizures on multiple subcortical networks.

2026-07-31 18:46:47 - Meiling receives an AES postdoctoral research fellowship

Meiling was awarded a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from the American Epilepsy Society! Her proposal, Ictal norepinephrine release across brain regions and epilepsy models, uses cutting-edge tools to connect fundamental synaptic physiology to a highly significant translational question. Thank you, AES, for supporting Meiling's project and career development!

2026-07-31 18:41:28 - Hudson presents his summer work
Hudson presented his work at the Magnificent Michigan poster session. This work will be a great addition to a manuscript soon to be submitted, on which he will be co-author. Nice job, Hudson!

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