Manipulating brain circuits to improve outcomes in Huntington's disease
Official title: Targeted Circuit Manipulation for Ameliorating Huntington's Disease Pathogenesis
Funded at Central Michigan University · NIH-10834285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to change how certain brain circuits work in people with Huntington's disease, hoping to slow down the disease before symptoms show up and improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Central Michigan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mount Pleasant, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $174,595 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS132089-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10834285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for Huntington's disease or those in the early stages of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Huntington's disease or those who do not carry the genetic mutation associated with the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and altering the brain circuits involved in Huntington's disease (HD) to improve patient outcomes. By using innovative tools developed through the BRAIN initiative, the project aims to change the dynamics of specific neural circuits before symptoms of HD appear. The approach involves manipulating the activity of certain neurons to potentially slow down the progression of the disease. This could lead to new treatment strategies that address the underlying causes of HD rather than just managing symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to groundbreaking treatments that slow the progression of Huntington's disease and improve quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar research has shown promise in manipulating neural circuits for other neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hochgeschwender, Ute H — Central Michigan University
- Study coordinator: Hochgeschwender, Ute H
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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.