KCTD proteins and striatal signaling in movement disorders
Official title: Role of KCTD proteins in striatal signaling
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11370591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing look at how researchers are studying how specific brain proteins (KCTD) control brain signaling in movement-related regions to improve therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129554-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with movement disorders where striatal signaling is disrupted may benefit from future therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic research may not yet translate to immediate treatments for most patients.
What this research studies
This project explores how KCTD proteins influence signaling in the brain’s striatum, a key area involved in movement. Researchers will study how these proteins interact with GPCRs and zinc to shape the cAMP signaling pathway that affects movement control. The work combines biochemical tests with advanced imaging in models that reflect human brain biology to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments. If successful, these insights could guide the development of targeted therapies for movement disorders that affect daily life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform new strategies to treat movement disorders by targeting KCTD-related signaling pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Related research has begun to reveal roles for KCTD proteins in GPCR signaling, with promising mechanistic insights but still early on.
Where this research is happening
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Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muntean, Brian S — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Muntean, Brian 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.