Understanding how the brain controls sensory movements
Official title: Cellular and circuit basis for flexible control of sensory acquisition
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11022658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps fruit flies move their antennae to better sense their surroundings, and it could help us understand similar processes in other animals, including people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $345,702 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS140174-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals with sensory processing disorders or motor control issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to sensory processing or motor control may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain coordinates movements of sensory organs to enhance the acquisition of sensory information. Using fruit flies as a model organism, the study focuses on specific neurons that control the movements of the flies' antennae, which are crucial for sensing their environment. By employing advanced techniques like optogenetics and machine learning, researchers aim to uncover the cellular and circuit mechanisms involved in this process. The findings could provide insights into how similar mechanisms might function in other animals, including humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of sensory processing and motor control, potentially informing treatments for sensory and movement disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using model organisms like fruit flies to uncover fundamental principles of neural circuits, suggesting that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suver, Marie — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Suver, Marie
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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.