Understanding how specific brain circuits affect movement in Parkinson's disease
Official title: Dissecting functional subgroups and closed-loop circuits between the pedunculopontine nucleus and the basal ganglia
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11044088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain affects movement in people with Parkinson's disease, to understand why some treatments help with walking while others don't, with the hope of finding better ways to improve movement for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30NS132399-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience gait impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with movement disorders not related to Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) in controlling movement, particularly in patients with Parkinson's disease. By examining how different parts of the PPN interact with the basal ganglia, the study aims to identify why some deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments improve gait while others worsen it. The researchers will use advanced techniques like electrophysiology and calcium imaging to explore the properties of cholinergic neurons in the PPN, which are crucial for smooth movement. This work could lead to better-targeted therapies for movement disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved deep brain stimulation techniques that enhance movement and reduce gait impairment in Parkinson's disease patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted deep brain stimulation can improve movement in Parkinson's patients, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fallah, Michel — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Fallah, Michel
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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.