NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding genetic causes of movement disorders

Official title: Genetic Movement Disorders: Etiologies and Pathogeneses

Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-10977038 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for the genetic reasons behind movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and ataxias, and if you have unexplained movement issues, you might be able to help us find new genes that could explain your condition!

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Puget Sound Healthcare System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2022
Project endSeptember 30, 2026
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01CX001702-07
Project IDNIH-10977038 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals and families with genetically unexplained movement disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with movement disorders that have already been genetically attributed may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on identifying the genetic causes of heritable movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and ataxias. By analyzing patient tissues and using advanced gene mapping techniques, the team aims to discover new genes associated with these conditions and understand how genetic variants affect movement. The research involves collaboration with established repositories of patient samples and utilizes innovative models to study disease mechanisms. Patients with unexplained movement disorders may have the opportunity to contribute to this important work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnoses and targeted therapies for patients with movement disorders.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified genetic causes of movement disorders, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
    Seattle, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zabetian, Cyrus P — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
  • Study coordinator: Zabetian, Cyrus P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Cerebellum-targeted deep brain stimulation for severe movement problems and spasticity in cerebral palsy

    This project tests whether implanted electrodes that stimulate a cerebellar motor area can reduce severe involuntary movements and muscle tightness in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11322723

  • Why brain cells cause movement and coordination problems

    Learning how a faulty ATXN1 gene in people with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 damages cerebellar brain cells and leads to adult-onset balance and coordination problems.

    NIH research Northwestern University · Chicago, United States · NIH-11237574

  • Using brain stimulation to improve movement in children with cerebral palsy

    This study is looking at how a special treatment called deep brain stimulation can help kids and young adults with cerebral palsy by improving their movement and reducing stiffness, and we're inviting ten participants to see if this approach makes a difference for them.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11055281

  • Changing how people interpret threats to help reduce anxiety in movement disorders

    This study is testing a friendly online program designed to help people with movement disorders like Huntington's and Parkinson's manage their anxiety by teaching them to think about tricky situations in a more positive way.

    NIH research University of Virginia · Charlottesville, United States · NIH-10932105

  • Investigating brain activity tracking in movement disorders using implanted sensors

    This study is looking at how a protein called ubiquilin-2 interacts with clumps of proteins in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and it involves placing small sensors under the scalp to monitor brain activity, which could help find new ways to treat these conditions and improve patients' lives.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-10893983

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.