Innovative methods to improve brain function in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Circuit-Inspired Strategies to Restore Basal Ganglia Function in Mouse Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11109639 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in a part of the brain affected by Parkinson's disease can be targeted to help improve movement and reduce symptoms, with the goal of creating better treatments for people living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $777,675 |
| NIH project number | 5R35NS132213-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109639 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience motor symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not respond to deep brain stimulation or have other complicating health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific neurons in the globus pallidus, a part of the brain affected in Parkinson's disease, can be targeted to restore normal function. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and deep brain stimulation, the study aims to develop new treatment protocols that could provide longer-lasting relief from motor symptoms. The approach focuses on understanding the different roles of neuron types in the globus pallidus and how they can be manipulated to improve patient outcomes. Collaborations with neurosurgeons will help translate these findings into potential therapies for human patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for Parkinson's disease, significantly improving motor function and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with deep brain stimulation techniques, suggesting that this novel approach could also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gittis, Aryn Hilary — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Gittis, Aryn Hilary
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut-brain clues in Parkinson’s disease: supplement to a large registry
A plant-wide supplement to an NIH program will enroll people with Parkinson’s, with and without GI symptoms, plus healthy controls, to study how gut function, brain signals, and sleep rhythms relate to Parkinson’s symptoms.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
-
Gut-brain communication in Parkinson’s disease for better symptoms and daily life
This project enrolls people with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls to build a big registry and study how gut function, brain signals, sleep, and circadian rhythms relate to PD symptoms.
-
Gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease: how gut bugs relate to symptoms and progression
A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
-
Gut-Brain Axis in Parkinson’s Disease: biomarkers and procedures to track progression
A patient-focused program to study how gut health and the brain interact in Parkinson’s disease using biomarkers and clinical procedures.
-
Understanding posture and movement in Parkinson’s patients to reduce falls
A study using wearable sensors to track real-world balance and movement in people with Parkinson’s disease to help prevent falls.
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.