Restoring indirect pathway function to protect movement in Parkinson's
Resilience, Dysregulation, and Rescue of Basal Ganglia Indirect Pathway Function in Progressive Parkinsonism
This project looks at whether fixing energy problems in brain cells can keep the brain's movement circuits working longer for people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11375421 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses a genetic mouse model (MitoPark) that mimics the slow progression of Parkinson's to watch how movement circuits in the basal ganglia change over time. They combine high-resolution imaging, physiological recordings, and bioenergetic measurements to track activity and energy stress in the indirect pathway and dopamine neurons as degeneration unfolds. The researchers will test ways to rescue circuit function and reduce metabolic stress to see if normal movement patterns can be preserved. Results are intended to inform when and how interventions might help people before extensive neuron loss occurs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage Parkinson's disease or those identified at high risk during the prodromal period could be ideal candidates for future treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: People with advanced Parkinson's who have already lost large numbers of dopamine neurons may be less likely to benefit from the types of circuit-rescue approaches studied here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that slow or prevent worsening of movement symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal-model studies have identified circuit dysfunction and shown some experimental rescue strategies can restore function, but translating those findings to human patients remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bevan, Mark D — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Bevan, Mark D
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.