Understanding how brain circuits control movement and decision-making.
Striatal Microcircuit Dynamics
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-10853030
This study is looking at how a part of the brain that helps with movement and decision-making works, especially how a chemical called dopamine affects certain brain cells, which could help us learn more about 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-10853030 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamics of the dorsal striatum, a brain region crucial for controlling movement and decision-making. It aims to understand how dopamine influences the activity of specific types of neurons in this area, particularly in relation to conditions like Parkinson's Disease. By using advanced techniques such as behavioral electrophysiology and optical sensors, researchers will measure and manipulate neuron activity in real-time during controlled tasks. This approach seeks to connect various findings about neuron interactions and dopamine release to better understand their roles in movement control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with movement disorders, particularly those experiencing bradykinesia due to dopamine loss.
Not a fit: Patients with movement disorders not related to dopamine dysfunction or those without neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for movement disorders like Parkinson's Disease by enhancing our understanding of brain circuit functions.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding brain circuit dynamics, but this specific approach using real-time measurements and manipulations is relatively novel.
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