How Dopamine in the Brain Helps Us Move
Dopamine, Synaptic Plasticity and Striatal Ensemble Dynamics Underlying Motor Learning
This project aims to understand how a brain chemical called dopamine helps control our movements by affecting specific brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089523 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Dopamine in a brain area called the striatum is essential for movement, but we don't fully understand how it works. Traditionally, it was thought that dopamine boosts activity in some brain cells (D1-SPNs) and reduces it in others (D2-SPNs) to promote movement. However, newer findings suggest that both D1 and D2 cells work together in more complex ways. This research will use advanced imaging techniques to observe how dopamine truly influences the activity and coordination of these brain cells, helping us get a clearer picture of how movement is controlled.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation but aims to build knowledge that could benefit patients with movement disorders in the future.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct medical benefit or treatment from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of how dopamine controls movement could lead to new and more effective treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has established a basic understanding of dopamine's role in movement, but this project seeks to refine and update those models with new insights.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parker, Jones G — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Parker, Jones G
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.