Investigating the long-term effects of reducing a specific protein in the brain related to Huntington's disease.
Long-term effects of wildtype huntingtin lowering in the primate corticostriatal tract and thalamus
This study is looking at how reducing a specific protein in the brain might help protect brain cells and improve movement in monkeys, which could be important for people with Huntington's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10610825 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the long-term effects of lowering wildtype huntingtin protein in the primate brain, particularly in areas associated with Huntington's disease. The study will assess how this reduction impacts brain function and neuron survival over a nine-month period. By measuring locomotor activity and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), researchers hope to determine the safety and efficacy of this approach. This investigation is crucial as most current treatments do not selectively target the harmful mutant allele of huntingtin.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Huntington's disease or those with early-stage symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Huntington's disease or those who do not carry the mutant allele may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for Huntington's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some success in animal models, this specific approach in primates is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grondin, Richard C. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Grondin, Richard C.
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 below.