Understanding how the brain coordinates movements of the face and mouth
Official title: High- and low-level computations for coordination of orofacial motor actions
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10930306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain areas help control important actions like breathing and eating, as well as exploring the world through sniffing and licking, to better understand how our bodies move smoothly and flexibly, which could help improve treatments for people with movement disorders.
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) | $4,272,544 |
| NIH project number | 1U19NS137920-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting orofacial motor control.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with unrelated neurological conditions that do not impact orofacial motor actions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neuronal circuits in the brainstem that control essential motor actions like breathing and feeding, as well as exploratory actions such as sniffing and licking. By examining how these actions are rhythmically coordinated, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that allow for flexible and precise behaviors. The approach combines theoretical concepts from control theory and coupled oscillators with various experimental procedures to analyze how high-level signals modulate low-level motor activities. Patients may benefit from insights into how these processes work, potentially leading to improved treatments for motor coordination disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with motor coordination issues.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding motor control through similar theoretical approaches, indicating potential for impactful findings in this area.
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
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.