Investigating signaling mechanisms in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Striatal Trans-Synaptic Signaling Mechanism in Parkinsonism
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-10980701 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain signals change in people with Parkinson's disease to find new ways to help improve both movement and other symptoms, using special techniques in animal models to discover better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $669,115 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS133338-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980701 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing motor and non-motor symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who are in advanced stages or have other significant comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the signaling mechanisms in the brain that contribute to Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly how changes in specific brain circuits affect motor and non-motor symptoms. By studying the interactions between neurons in the striatum and thalamus, researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets that could help alleviate symptoms of PD. The approach includes advanced techniques like chemogenetics and optogenetics to manipulate neuronal activity in animal models, providing insights that could lead to innovative treatments for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that slow the progression of Parkinson's disease and improve the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting synaptic mechanisms in Parkinson's disease, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dravid, Shashank Manohar — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Dravid, Shashank Manohar
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.