How striatum brain signals control movement and learning
Neuromodulation in the striatum
['FUNDING_R01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11307660
This project looks at how chemical signals in a deep brain area called the striatum change nerve cell activity and movement, with relevance for people who have movement disorders like Parkinson's or Huntington's.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307660 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You will see research aimed at the two main pathways in the striatum that either promote or inhibit movement and how their balance is controlled by neuromodulators such as dopamine and adenosine. The team uses lab experiments that combine genetic and molecular tools, recordings of brain activity, and behavioral tests in animal models to link cell signaling changes to movement outcomes. Findings from these experiments are intended to point toward molecular targets or strategies that could later be tested in people with movement disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or other disorders marked by impaired movement would be the most likely future candidates to benefit or be invited into follow-up clinical studies.
Not a fit: People without striatal-related movement problems or whose symptoms arise from non-neurological causes are unlikely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or neuromodulation strategies that improve movement control in Parkinson's, Huntington's, or related disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human work shows that manipulating striatal neuromodulators (for example, dopamine and adenosine A2A receptors) can change movement and that A2A-targeting drugs help some people with Parkinson's, but the detailed circuit mechanisms are still being worked out.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHONG, HAINING — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZHONG, HAINING
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.