Investigating the role of dopamine in speech fluency for individuals who stutter
Official title: Dopamine and sensorimotor function in stuttering
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10989405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how dopamine influences speech and movement in people who stutter, with the goal of finding new and better ways to help improve speech fluency beyond the usual therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $464,268 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DC021557-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages who experience stuttering and are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not stutter or those whose stuttering is not significantly impacted by neurological factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how dopamine affects sensorimotor functions related to stuttering, a speech fluency disorder impacting millions. The study aims to explore innovative treatment options that go beyond traditional behavioral therapies, which often have high relapse rates. By examining the brain's mechanisms and how they relate to speech production, the research seeks to develop personalized interventions that may include auditory feedback manipulation and pharmacological treatments. Patients participating in this research may contribute to identifying effective strategies for improving speech fluency.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for individuals who stutter, improving their speech fluency and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neurophysiological insights to inform treatment strategies for speech disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagarajan, Srikantan S. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Nagarajan, Srikantan S.
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.