Mapping the brain's orofacial circuitry
Official title: Quantitative Neuroanatomy
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10930314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells work together to control facial movements, which could help us better understand and treat conditions that affect how people move their faces.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,070,228 |
| NIH project number | 1U19NS137920-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting orofacial function, such as neurological disorders or injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated neurological conditions or those not experiencing orofacial issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the complex neuroanatomy of the brain's orofacial circuitry by utilizing advanced imaging techniques. It employs viral-genetic tracing methods to uncover the connections and projections of premotor neurons, allowing for a detailed mapping of neuronal populations. The study aims to reconstruct the pathways of individual neurons and their connections, providing insights into how these neurons coordinate orofacial behaviors. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could lead to improved understanding and treatment of conditions affecting facial movement and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of facial movement disorders and lead to better treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research utilizing similar imaging techniques has shown promise in mapping brain circuitry, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedman, Beth — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Friedman, Beth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improved MRI guidance for pediatric heart catheterization using autonomous multi-beat image synthesis
Aiming to make MRI-guided pediatric heart catheterizations safer and more reliable by using smart, multi-beat data fusion to produce clearer real-time MRI images.
-
Adapting a combination approach to reduce heavy drinking and boost HIV care and prevention among young men
A pilot project tests a proven program that helps young men cut down on heavy drinking and improves HIV treatment and prevention outcomes.
-
How specific anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood may affect memory and brain protection
This research is exploring whether natural or abnormal anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood influence memory, behavior, and brain protection in humans.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Pharmacometrics Core at UC San Diego
A pharmacometrics core is funded to support researchers in analyzing drug data to improve how medicines work for patients.
-
Milk Analytics Core for Precision Dairy Research
A core facility at UC San Diego will provide specialized milk analysis services to support research on dairy biology and human health.
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.