Isamu Aiba

Isamu Aiba, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico. His research focuses on spreading depolarization, epilepsy mechanisms, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and autonomic dysfunction. Key contributions include elucidating the role of spreading depolarization in SUDEP and identifying molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy.

Education:

• PhD in Neuroscience from the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)

Research Interests:

• Spreading depolarization dynamics and their clinical implications in epilepsy and SUDEP
• Molecular and cellular mechanisms of seizure initiation and propagation
• Autonomic nervous system interactions with brain pathology
• Novel therapeutic targets for epilepsy and SUDEP prevention

Awards & Funding:

• Career Development Award (American Heart Association)
• Junior Investigator Research Award (American Epilepsy Society, 2021–2022)

Grants & Collaborations:

• Investigates adrenergic signaling in cardiac preganglionic neurons
• Develops CRISPR-based glioblastoma models to study tumor-induced epileptogenesis
• Explores fenfluramine’s inhibitory effects on cortical spreading depolarization