Understanding how the brain controls movement during learning

Deconstructing Functional Circuits of Motor Cortex During Motor Learning

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11046640

This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the primary motor cortex helps control movements and learns new skills, using mice to find out how different brain connections work together during this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11046640 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the primary motor cortex (M1), a key area in the brain responsible for generating body movements. By studying mice, the researchers aim to understand how M1 processes information from various brain regions and how this processing changes during motor learning. The study will explore the roles of long-range inputs and local connections in shaping the activity of M1 neurons, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying motor control and learning.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with motor disorders or conditions affecting motor learning, such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with non-motor related 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 motor disorders by enhancing our understanding of motor learning processes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding motor control through similar approaches, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.