Investigating how brain connections in the cerebellum affect tremors

Targeting Cerebellar Excitatory Synapses for Tremor Progression

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10843910

This study is looking at how certain brain connections might affect the worsening of essential tremor in people over 40, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10843910 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on essential tremor (ET), a common movement disorder that affects many individuals over 40 years old. The study aims to understand the role of cerebellar excitatory synapses and astrocytes in the progression of tremors, which become more severe over time. By using animal models and analyzing postmortem human brains, researchers will explore how these brain connections contribute to tremor severity and whether manipulating them can slow down disease progression. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing ET.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with essential tremor, particularly those experiencing worsening symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with tremors caused by other conditions or those who do not have essential tremor may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow the progression of essential tremor and improve the quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of essential tremor, but this specific approach targeting cerebellar synapses is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.