Investigating the role of brain cells in apathy for Huntington's disease
White matter-associated striatal astrocytes and their role in apathy in Huntington's disease
This study is looking at how certain brain cells might be linked to feelings of apathy in people with Huntington's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve motivation and daily life for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11053596 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific brain cells, called astrocytes, contribute to apathy in patients with Huntington's disease (HD). Apathy is a common and debilitating symptom in HD that affects patients' motivation and quality of life. The study aims to explore the cellular mechanisms behind this symptom by examining the relationship between inflammation, brain structure changes, and astrocyte function in the striatum, a brain region impacted by HD. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to pave the way for new treatments that can alleviate apathy and improve daily functioning for HD patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Huntington's disease who experience symptoms of apathy.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of Huntington's disease or those who do not exhibit symptoms of apathy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from apathy in Huntington's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that targeting astrocyte dysfunction can lead to improvements in mood disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for Huntington's disease.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez-Pastor, Rocio — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Gomez-Pastor, Rocio
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.