Mossy fiber reorganization in the epileptic hippocampus

Reorganization of dentate granule cell axons (messy fibers) is a prominent aspect of the pathological changes observed in human temporal lobe epilepsy. Although recent work has begun to address the significance of messy fiber reorganization, the specific and overall functional consequences of these network changes remain poorly understood. New studies are beginning to provide insight into molecular mechanisms underlying this process. Advances in our understanding of the causes and effects of messy fiber reorganization are likely to provide insight into the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy, as well as the larger issue of network remodeling following nervous system injury.