Marmoset model of Huntington's disease shows how symptoms relate to brain and behavior
Official title: Correlating molecular behavioral phenotypes in a marmoset model of Huntingtons disease
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11505086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at a top university is studying how Huntington's disease affects brain signals and behavior in marmosets to better understand the human condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $786,192 |
| NIH project number | 4U01DA054182-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11505086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly, but the findings may guide future human studies and therapies for Huntington's disease.
✕Less likely to help
This grant itself does not enroll patients and does not test interventions in people.
What this research studies
This project uses a nonhuman primate model to explore how Huntington's disease-related genetic changes influence brain activity and behavior. It aims to overcome past barriers in creating genetically modified marmosets that can carry disease-relevant traits, using advanced genome editing approaches. The study will connect molecular changes to observable behaviors and cognitive processes in a way that could inform future human research and therapies. By studying these animals across generations, researchers hope to map how genes, brain structure, and behavior interact over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could provide deeper insight into Huntington's disease mechanisms and inform future strategies for diagnosis and treatment in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows progress in primate genetics and neurobiology, but germline transmission of disease-relevant reporters in marmosets remains challenging.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brivanlou, Ali H — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Brivanlou, Ali H
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.