Serotonin changes that cause L-DOPA-related involuntary movements

Interrogating Maladaptive Serotonin Raphe-Striatal Plasticity in L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia

NIH-funded research State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11235114

This project looks at how serotonin-related brain changes cause involuntary movements in people with Parkinson's who take L‑DOPA.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Binghamton, United States)
Project IDNIH-11235114 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If I have Parkinson's, this research uses animal models to trace how serotonin (5‑HT) neurons and the raphe‑to‑striatum circuit reorganize after L‑DOPA treatment and lead to dyskinesia. The team uses molecular tools, circuit mapping, and functional recordings to identify structural and functional changes in serotonin pathways that make involuntary movements worse. They compare these findings with prior data to pinpoint biological targets that could be modified to reduce or prevent dyskinesia. Ultimately this could guide future tests of drugs or other treatments aimed at preventing or easing L‑DOPA‑related involuntary movements.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with Parkinson's disease who experience L‑DOPA‑induced dyskinesia or who are starting L‑DOPA and are at risk for dyskinesia.

Not a fit: People who do not take L‑DOPA, who have non‑Parkinsonian movement disorders, or whose symptoms come from other causes may not benefit from these findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce L‑DOPA‑induced involuntary movements for people with Parkinson's.

How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and some early clinical work implicate serotonin neurons in LID and have shown promise, but effective and widely applicable patient treatments remain limited.

Where this research is happening

Binghamton, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Animal Disease Models
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.