Understanding how brain signals control mouth movements
Confluence of high- and low-level signaling for the control of orofacial rhythmic motor actions
This study looks at how different signals in the brain help control mouth movements like chewing, using mice to understand how these signals work together to make these actions smooth and effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10930307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how different brain signals work together to control rhythmic movements of the mouth, such as chewing and whisking. By studying the interactions between low-level signals from the breathing center and high-level feedback from sensory inputs, the researchers aim to create models that explain how these signals coordinate to produce smooth and effective orofacial actions. The study primarily uses mice to explore these mechanisms, which could provide insights into the neural control of complex behaviors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with orofacial motor control disorders or related neurological conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without any orofacial motor control issues or those not affected by neurological conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for conditions affecting orofacial motor control, such as dysphagia or other movement disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding motor control through similar signaling approaches, indicating that this study builds on established knowledge in the field.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kleinfeld, David — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Kleinfeld, David
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.