Exploring how specific brain circuits affect movement in Parkinson's disease
Determining the Role of Distinct Parafascicular Thalamic Circuits in Motor Behaviors Relevant to Parkinson’s Disease
This study is looking at how different parts of a brain area called the parafascicular thalamus affect movement in people with Parkinson's disease, hoping to find new ways to help improve motor skills and learning for those living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11036338 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of distinct circuits in the parafascicular thalamus, a brain region involved in movement, to understand how they contribute to motor behaviors affected by Parkinson's disease. By using advanced techniques like chemogenetic inhibition and calcium imaging, the study aims to differentiate how specific neural pathways influence locomotion and motor learning. This could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of motor dysfunction in Parkinson's and similar disorders, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or related movement disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with non-degenerative movement disorders or those without motor symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to movement, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roy, Dheeraj — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Roy, Dheeraj
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.