Understanding how brain circuits affect movement in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Circuit Mechanisms of Bradykinesia in Mouse Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11039982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the loss of certain brain cells affects movement in people with Parkinson's disease, using mice to help find new ways to improve movement for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $211,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS133640-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039982 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 bradykinesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not exhibit bradykinesia or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind bradykinesia, a common symptom of Parkinson's disease characterized by slowed movements. Using mouse models, the study examines how the loss of dopamine neurons in the basal ganglia affects communication between different brain regions involved in movement. Researchers will employ advanced imaging techniques and optogenetic methods to manipulate and observe brain activity during motor tasks. The goal is to identify specific neural pathways that contribute to movement difficulties, which could lead to new treatment strategies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that improve movement and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to movement disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Un Jung — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kang, Un Jung
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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.