Understanding brain circuits involved in motivation and movement in Parkinson's Disease
Official title: Substantia nigra circuits in instrumental action
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10946276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells that use dopamine influence motivation and movement in people with Parkinson's Disease, hoping to find new ways to help manage both movement and other symptoms you might experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $481,049 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS138598-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10946276 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who experience motor and non-motor symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease or those with other neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits, particularly those involving dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, affect motivation and movement in individuals with Parkinson's Disease. By examining the role of these neurons in decision-making related to effort and reward, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to both motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease. The approach includes manipulating brain inputs to observe their effects on behavior, which could lead to new insights into treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their symptoms and potential new therapies that target these brain circuits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for improving motivation and reducing motor impairments in Parkinson's Disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding dopamine circuits in relation to movement and motivation, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollon, Nick Garber — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Hollon, Nick Garber
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.