Optical voltage imaging to understand how deep brain stimulation works
Official title: Optical Voltage Imaging Analysis of the Cellular and Network Mechanisms of Deep Brain Stimulation
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11377255 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research study will use advanced imaging to reveal how deep brain stimulation changes brain cells and networks in people with brain disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $601,607 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129520-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377255 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with brain disorders who may be treated with DBS in the future or who are involved in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing DBS or not contributing to related imaging studies may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project uses cutting-edge optical voltage imaging to watch brain cells and circuits as deep brain stimulation is applied. By combining imaging with DBS in relevant models, the team aims to map when and where neural signals change, helping explain why DBS works differently across diseases. The findings could inform more precise DBS settings and targeted approaches for movement and other brain conditions. Participants may be involved if human-related elements are included in future phases or related studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Insights from this research could lead to more effective DBS therapies and personalized treatment plans for patients with brain disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows DBS effects are complex and may depend on network activity, with imaging studies progressing understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Xue — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Han, Xue
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
Improving deep brain stimulation with MRI and AI
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-
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-
Automated programming for personalized deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
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Ventral pallidum brain stimulation for epilepsy
A brain stimulation therapy in people with epilepsy whose seizures aren’t controlled by medicines or surgery is being studied to see if it can help achieve seizure freedom.
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TinyML-powered closed-loop DBS for Parkinson's disease
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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.