Understanding how certain brain cells change during the development of movement disorders in Parkinson's patients.
Official title: Epigenetic entrainment of striatal engram-like neurons across the time course of LID development
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11103763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells change when people with Parkinson's disease take a common medication, which can sometimes cause unwanted movements, to help find better ways to manage those side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 18, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $350,036 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS141959-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Parkinson's disease or who are not experiencing dyskinesia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in specific brain cells, known as D1 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons, that occur during the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), a common side effect of Parkinson's disease treatment. By studying these changes in animal models, the researchers aim to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to LID. The approach involves examining how these neurons are altered over time with L-DOPA treatment, focusing on their transcriptional and physiological characteristics. This could lead to better understanding and potential new treatments for managing LID in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or reducing debilitating movement disorders in Parkinson's disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating epigenetic changes in D1-MSNs is novel, previous research has shown that targeting similar pathways can lead to improvements in managing movement disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaunarajs, Karen — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Jaunarajs, Karen
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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.