Understanding how brain circuits control facial movements and behaviors
Official title: Descending engagement of brainstem neuronal circuits that govern orofacial motor behaviors
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11056036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain cells in rodents help control actions like licking, chewing, and suckling, especially in newborn mice, to better understand how the brain helps us respond to what we sense around us.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,829 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD096512-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056036 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting orofacial motor control, such as neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to orofacial motor behaviors or those outside the age range of 0-4 weeks and 21+ years may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neuronal circuits in the brainstem that govern orofacial behaviors, such as licking, chewing, and suckling in rodents. By studying these behaviors, the research aims to uncover how higher brain areas influence these circuits to execute appropriate actions based on sensory cues. The project will utilize advanced techniques to identify specific neuronal cell types involved in these behaviors, particularly focusing on suckling in newborn mice. This work is crucial for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of motor control in mammals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of motor control, potentially leading to improved treatments for disorders affecting orofacial functions.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach to studying orofacial behaviors in relation to brainstem circuits is relatively novel, similar research has shown success in understanding motor control in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Jeffrey Daniel — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Moore, Jeffrey Daniel
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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.