miRNA-146a and Epilepsy: A Diagnostic Pathway for Underprivileged Communities

This summer, during my Stanford internship, I had the opportunity to author a full research paper on the role of miRNA-146a as a biomarker for epilepsy and how it can be translated into an accessible diagnostic platform for underprivileged communities. This project combined molecular biology, bioengineering, and public health equity, and it challenged me to think not only as a researcher, but as an innovator committed to bridging science with social impact.

Framing the Problem

Epilepsy affects over 70 million people worldwide, yet many patients in underserved regions lack access to reliable diagnostic tools such as EEG, MRI, and PET scans. These technologies, while effective, are either prohibitively expensive or inaccessible in resource-limited settings. This gap in care inspired our team to ask: Can a molecular biomarker like miRNA-146a be leveraged to create a rapid, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic?

My Research Contributions

As part of this project, I:

• Wrote and structured the research paper in collaboration with my Stanford mentors, synthesizing existing literature, experimental design, and novel device development.

• Investigated miRNA-146a, a small, non-coding RNA molecule dysregulated in epilepsy, with strong potential as a diagnostic biomarker.

• Designed an experimental framework comparing epilepsy patients on medication, untreated patients, and healthy controls, supported by AI-predicted models of biomarker concentrations.

• Integrated evidence from both animal and human studies, showing that serum miRNA-146a levels mirror those in brain tissue, allowing for a simple blood test to indicate epilepsy risk.

• Proposed a novel diagnostic device, the miTrace patch, which uses engineered DNAzymes to detect elevated levels of miRNA-146a. The patch produces a clear color change when thresholds are met, making diagnosis possible without electronics, expensive lab equipment, or radiation exposure.

Innovation: The miTrace Patch

The highlight of this research was developing the miTrace diagnostic patch, a low-cost, biodegradable tool designed for use in remote or underserved communities. It operates as a molecular logic gate, activating only when miRNA-146a levels cross a diagnostic threshold. This design ensures accuracy while keeping the platform simple enough for frontline health workers to use in the field.

Why It Matters

Beyond its scientific foundation, this project was driven by a commitment to health equity. By creating a pathway that avoids reliance on high-cost imaging technologies, the research offers a scalable solution for communities where epilepsy diagnosis is delayed or inaccessible. A simple patch, powered by biochemistry rather than electronics, could bring timely answers to millions of patients worldwide.

Reflection

Writing this paper was one of the most transformative experiences of my research journey so far. It taught me how to integrate molecular biology, computational modeling, and device engineering into a single study, while also grounding the work in ethics and social responsibility. More importantly, it showed me that the true power of science lies not only in discovery but in making that discovery accessible.

This project is currently in progress as a formal publication, and I look forward to sharing the next steps as it moves closer to dissemination.

Innovation in medicine should never stop at the lab bench, it should reach the communities that need it most.