Understanding how brain networks control rhythmic behaviors like breathing and swallowing
Official title: Modulation of Network Feedback Shifts the Locus of Rhythm Generation
Funded at Miami University Oxford · NIH-10515097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain networks help control important actions like breathing and swallowing, using tiny creatures to learn how these networks adapt to changes around them, which could help improve health and daily life for people with neurological issues or those recovering from a stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami University Oxford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oxford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $420,562 |
| NIH project number | 1R15NS128619-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10515097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing respiratory or swallowing issues due to neurological disorders or stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neurological disorders or those not experiencing respiratory or swallowing difficulties may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how central pattern generator (CPG) networks in the brain adapt to maintain essential rhythmic behaviors such as breathing and swallowing. By studying small invertebrate neural networks, the research aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms that allow these networks to respond to sensory inputs and environmental changes. The approach involves examining how feedback from these networks influences their function and adaptability, which is crucial for patients with neurological disorders or stroke-related impairments. The findings could lead to new insights into improving health and quality of life for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of rhythmic control in the brain, potentially leading to better treatments for patients with respiratory and swallowing difficulties.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on central pattern generators in simpler organisms has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami University Oxford
Oxford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blitz, Dawn Marie — Miami University Oxford
- Study coordinator: Blitz, Dawn Marie
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.