Understanding Brain Circuitry for Movement
Striatal Microcircuit Dynamics
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11098460
This research explores how a key part of the brain, called the dorsal striatum, controls movement and how problems in this area contribute to conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11098460 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our brains have special circuits that help us move and make decisions about how we move. This project looks closely at a brain area called the dorsal striatum, which is important for these functions. We want to understand how different types of brain cells in this area work together and how a chemical called dopamine influences their activity. By using advanced tools to observe and adjust brain cell activity during movement, we hope to learn more about how these circuits function normally and what goes wrong in movement disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this knowledge may seek individuals with movement disorders like Parkinson's disease or Tourette Syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by brain-related movement control issues, such as those seen in Parkinson's disease or Tourette Syndrome, would not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to a better understanding of brain disorders like Parkinson's disease and Tourette Syndrome, potentially guiding the development of new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While individual components of this approach have shown success, combining behavioral electrophysiology, optogenetics, and optical dopamine sensors in this specific way to understand striatal microcircuit function is a novel and advanced approach.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BERKE, JOSHUA D — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: BERKE, JOSHUA 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.
Conditions: Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders