Understanding how dopamine affects movement development in zebrafish
Official title: Functional and molecular dissection of dopaminergic signaling in spinal locomotor circuit development
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10987363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a brain chemical called dopamine helps baby zebrafish learn to swim better, and the results could help us understand how motor skills develop in other animals, including people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $431,996 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135780-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals with developmental movement disorders or conditions affecting motor skills.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-developmental movement issues or those not affected by dopaminergic signaling may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dopamine signaling influences the development of locomotion in larval zebrafish, a model organism for studying motor skills. By using advanced techniques such as electrophysiology and functional imaging, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow immature swimming patterns to evolve into more refined movements. The findings could provide insights into the fundamental processes of motor skill development that are applicable to other vertebrates, including humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of motor skill development and potentially inform treatments for movement disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding dopaminergic signaling in model organisms can lead to significant insights applicable to human motor development, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Masino, Mark a — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Masino, Mark a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating biological markers related to human reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different factors in our bodies affect reproduction and the health of children and teens, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about these important topics by analyzing samples like blood and urine without changing anything in their daily lives.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Understanding how survivorship care plans affect health outcomes for cancer survivors
A study will look at whether survivorship care plans help reduce deaths and improve health for adults who have survived cancer.
-
Understanding the experience of ovarian cancer after diagnosis to improve survivorship
This NIH grant funds a mixed-methods study to better understand physical and emotional challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors and how supportive care can help them live better after diagnosis.
-
Minnesota Population Center: a hub for migration, family and community data science
A university research center helps researchers study population dynamics by sharing data, training researchers, and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
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.