Understanding Nerve Cell Damage in the Brain's Motor Control Center
Understanding Degeneration in Neurons of the Inferior Olivary Nucleus
This project explores why specific brain cells, important for movement and balance, become damaged in conditions like tremor and ataxia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123476 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brain's inferior olivary nucleus is crucial for smooth movement and balance, but its nerve cells can degenerate, leading to conditions like tremor and ataxia. We are looking into why these cells are so vulnerable, whether due to genetic issues or other types of damage. We believe different causes of nerve cell damage might actually share similar underlying problems. Using advanced mouse models, we are exploring these shared pathways to better understand how to protect these vital brain cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing conditions like tremor and ataxia, especially those with spinocerebellar ataxias, are the focus of this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to olivary nucleus degeneration or motor control issues may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to protect brain cells from damage, potentially leading to new treatments for tremor and ataxia.
How similar studies have performed: This project challenges existing beliefs about nerve cell degeneration, suggesting a novel hypothesis that different causes may share common molecular events.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shakkottai, Vikram Govindaraju — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shakkottai, Vikram Govindaraju
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 below.