Investigating calcium handling in the brain to understand essential tremor
Official title: Targeting Cerebellar Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Handling in Essential Tremor
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10991337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into essential tremor, a condition that causes shaking, by using mice to see how changes in calcium in brain cells might be causing the tremors, with the hope of finding new treatments for people who have this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $528,700 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124854-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with essential tremor, particularly those experiencing progressive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tremors caused by other conditions, such as Parkinson's disease or those without a diagnosis of essential tremor, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on essential tremor (ET), a common and progressive movement disorder that affects many individuals. The study aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of ET by examining changes in calcium handling within brain cells, particularly in the cerebellum. Researchers are utilizing a mouse model that mimics the condition to explore how abnormal calcium signaling contributes to tremors. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to pave the way for new therapeutic options for patients suffering from ET.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for essential tremor, potentially reducing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding calcium handling in other neurological disorders, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuo, Sheng-Han — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kuo, Sheng-Han
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Vocal Tremor in Essential Tremor: Understanding Physiologic Cues in Older Adults
This grant studies why and how vocal tremor happens in people with essential tremor, aiming to better understand and describe voice changes in older adults.
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New therapies for essential tremor from cannabidiol mechanisms
A patient-facing overview of how cannabis-based medicines might help tremor by targeting specific brain receptors, aiming to find better and better tolerated treatments for essential tremor.
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Test to flag essential tremor patients at risk of Parkinson’s progression by detecting phosphorylated alpha-synuclein
A new test being developed for people with essential tremor to see who might later develop Parkinson’s disease.
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Clinical Pathology of Essential Tremor-Related Dementia
A patients-facing study asks how essential tremor may be linked to dementia, with the goal of better understanding risks and potential biomarkers for people living with ET.
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Personalized tremor relief for older adults using a new tremor-decomposition tool
A study aims to tailor tremor treatment for people 65 and older by refining a method that identifies which muscles cause tremor, with the goal of guiding practical, wearable relief options.
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PET scans to measure a brain protein (SV2A) in essential tremor
This project uses PET brain scans to look for changes in the SV2A protein in people with essential tremor to help diagnose and follow the condition over time.
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.