Investigating how certain brain cells affect movement in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Dopaminergic and Muscarinic Signaling in the Striatum
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11113631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called cholinergic interneurons affect movement and treatment side effects in people with Parkinson's disease, with the hope of finding better ways to help manage the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $704,221 |
| NIH project number | 4R37NS034696-25 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing motor symptoms and side effects from current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who are in the early stages and not yet experiencing significant motor symptoms or side effects may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of cholinergic interneurons in the striatum, a brain region involved in movement control, particularly in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD). The study aims to explore how these neurons contribute to both the motor symptoms of PD and the side effects of standard treatments, such as dyskinesia. By using advanced techniques like 2-photon imaging and electrophysiology, researchers will investigate the signaling pathways involved in these processes. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to better treatment options for patients suffering from PD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease without the debilitating side effects associated with current treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting cholinergic signaling in the brain may improve treatment outcomes for Parkinson's disease, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surmeier, Dalton James — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Surmeier, Dalton James
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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.