Understanding how brain circuits control speech in people who stutter
Official title: Organization and development of motor cortical circuits for speech production in stuttering
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11142870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain work together to help us speak and how problems in these areas might cause stuttering, with the goal of finding better ways to help people who stutter.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $650,820 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC022763-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults who experience stuttering and are seeking effective interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not stutter or have other speech disorders unrelated to stuttering may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits involved in speech production, particularly focusing on how disruptions in these circuits contribute to stuttering. By examining the structure and function of motor cortical areas and their connections, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms behind speech disfluencies. The approach includes analyzing newly identified brain regions that may play a critical role in integrating cognitive and sensory information necessary for fluent speech. This research could lead to a better understanding of stuttering and inform the development of targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals who stutter, enhancing their communication abilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain mechanisms related to speech production, but this approach is novel in its focus on specific motor cortical circuits.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Soo-Eun — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Chang, Soo-Eun
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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.