Investigating the genetics and brain imaging of Tourette Syndrome
Official title: Tourette Syndrome genetics and neuroimaging international collaborative study
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11005775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Tourette Syndrome affects kids by exploring their genes and brain activity, with the goal of finding better treatments, and it invites children with TS to help by sharing samples and taking part in brain scans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $417,475 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH126213-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome or related neuropsychiatric disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Tourette Syndrome or any of the associated neuropsychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding Tourette Syndrome (TS) by examining the genetics and brain structure and function in children affected by the condition. It aims to identify the neurobiological factors associated with TS and its high rates of comorbidity with disorders like ADHD, OCD, and ASD. By collaborating with international studies, the research will utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques and genetic data to uncover insights that could lead to better treatment options. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples and participating in brain imaging assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous international studies on neuroimaging and genetics in related disorders have shown promising results, indicating that this collaborative approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paschou, Peristera — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Paschou, Peristera
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Precision brain mapping of tics in children with Tourette syndrome
A new study uses advanced MRI to map brain activity in individual kids with Tourette syndrome to understand why tics differ from child to child.
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Digital tic-detection partner to support Tourette syndrome therapy
A computer vision system will help detect tics in children and youths with Tourette syndrome to support behavioral therapy at home and in real life.
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Quantifying Tourette tics with video and computer tools
This project aims to develop and test video-based, automated ways to measure tic severity in people with Tourette Syndrome.
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Brain-feedback training to help teens with Tourette control tics
This project teaches teenagers with Tourette syndrome to use real-time MRI brain-feedback to change activity in a motor brain area with the goal of reducing tics.
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International collaboration mapping genes and brain scans in Tourette syndrome
This project brings together MRI brain scans and genetic data from people with Tourette syndrome and related conditions to spot biological patterns linked to tics and co-occurring symptoms.
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How Tourette syndrome develops in the brain
Researchers are using donated brain tissue and patient-derived stem cells to learn why people with Tourette syndrome have fewer specific brain cells in the basal ganglia.
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.