Increased APOE expression and excessive lipid accumulation in astrocytes promote neuronal hyperexcitability and disease progression in temporal lobe epilepsy.346 Another astrocyte-specific mechanism involved in ictogenesis is linked to gap junction forming connexion Cx43 channels, which are down-regulated in epilepsy.347,348 Uncoupling of astrocytic syncytia or knocking out Cx43 in experimental models instigates seizures.348,349 It is also noteworthy that CTE can lead to atypical astrocyte responses that contribute to recurrent seizures.185. The gene discussed is GJA1; the disease is temporal lobe epilepsy.