How a specific group of support cells in the brain's movement center work
Functions and mechanisms of a subpopulation of striatal astrocytes
Learning how a particular type of support cell in the brain area that controls movement affects movement and goal-directed actions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on Crym+ astrocytes, a molecularly defined subgroup of support cells found in the striatum, a brain region important for movement and decision-making. Researchers will map the molecular signals and connections of these cells and manipulate them in animal models to see how that changes motor and goal-directed behavior. The team will compare those findings with human striatal tissue data showing Crym changes in some basal ganglia diseases to link the basic science to human conditions. Together these approaches aim to connect cellular mechanisms to behaviors relevant to movement disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with basal ganglia conditions (for example Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease) could be relevant for tissue donation or future clinical follow-up related to this work.
Not a fit: People without movement or basal ganglia disorders are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new biological targets in astrocytes that lead to therapies for movement and basal ganglia disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown astrocytes can influence neural circuits and behavior, but translating those findings into human treatments is still an early and developing area.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khakh, Baljit — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Khakh, Baljit
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.