Understanding how the brain coordinates facial movements
Official title: Administrative Core
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10930312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain controls facial movements, using special tools to see what happens in the brain, and it aims to help people with conditions that affect their ability to move their face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $289,302 |
| NIH project number | 1U19NS137920-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit would include individuals with conditions that impact facial movement or coordination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any neurological or orofacial disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the neuronal mechanisms that control coordinated orofacial behavior, utilizing advanced techniques such as 2-photon microscopy and in vivo electrophysiology. The project is organized into multiple studies across various sites, leveraging expertise in genetic manipulation and automated image recognition to analyze brain connectivity. Patients may benefit from insights gained about brain function related to facial movements, which could inform treatments for conditions affecting these behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for disorders affecting facial coordination.
How similar studies have gone: Other research utilizing advanced imaging and electrophysiological techniques has shown promise in understanding brain functions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kleinfeld, David — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Kleinfeld, David
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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.