Quieting a specific deep brain area to ease Parkinson's movement problems
Chemogenetic Inactivation of the Primate Internal Globus Pallidus as a Treatment for Parkinsonism
A gene-based method aims to calm overactive neurons in a deep brain region to help people with Parkinson's disease move more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179186 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research team uses viral delivery to put special, drug-responsive receptors into neurons in the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), a deep brain area linked to Parkinsonian movement problems. After the receptors are in place, a normally inactive drug given by mouth or injection would turn those receptors on to reduce overactivity in the GPi in a reversible way. Experiments are being done in rhesus monkeys made to have Parkinson-like symptoms so researchers can see whether the approach reduces tremor, stiffness, and slowness without the side effects of current drugs or surgery. The goal is a minimally invasive, cell- and circuit-specific way to control symptoms that could later be adapted for people if it proves safe and effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Parkinson's who have persistent, disabling motor symptoms despite medication and who are interested in future brain-targeted treatment options would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People whose problems are mainly non-motor (for example mood, sleep, or cognitive issues), those with very early disease without major motor impairment, or those not seeking brain-targeted therapies may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease with fewer off-target side effects than current medications or broad surgical approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Related chemogenetic techniques have improved symptoms in rodent models and shown promising early results in primate work, but they have not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galvan, Adriana — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Galvan, Adriana
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 below.