How acetylcholine influences dopamine's role in learning and movement
Official title: Acetylcholine determines dopamine's role in learning versus moving
Funded at New York University · NIH-11063133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain chemical called dopamine helps with both learning new things and controlling movement, using rats to see how it works in different situations, which could help us understand conditions that affect these abilities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $518,666 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136272-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders or movement disorders that may be influenced by dopamine and acetylcholine dynamics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to dopamine or acetylcholine, or those not experiencing neuropsychiatric or movement disorders, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dual role of dopamine in the brain, specifically how it contributes to both learning and movement. By using a novel behavioral paradigm in rats, the study aims to understand how dopamine release in the striatum can be directed towards either learning or motor control based on the influence of acetylcholine. The researchers will measure dopamine release at specific timepoints during tasks that require different responses, allowing for a detailed analysis of these processes. This approach could provide insights into neuropsychiatric and movement disorders by examining the interplay between these two critical functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neuropsychiatric and movement disorders by targeting the mechanisms of dopamine and acetylcholine.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding dopamine's role in either learning or movement, indicating potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Constantinople, Christine M — New York University
- Study coordinator: Constantinople, Christine M
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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.