NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding the brain mechanisms behind involuntary movements caused by antipsychotic medications

Official title: Striatal Microcircuit Mechanisms of Tardive Dyskinesia

Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11010405 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into what causes tardive dyskinesia, a condition that can happen after taking certain medications for a long time, and it aims to find out how specific brain receptors are involved, which could help improve treatments for people dealing with this issue.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startFebruary 15, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$358,088
NIH project number5R01NS131276-03
Project IDNIH-11010405 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been treated with antipsychotic medications and are experiencing symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not been treated with antipsychotic medications or do not exhibit symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the causes of tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition characterized by involuntary movements often resulting from long-term use of antipsychotic medications. By utilizing a mouse model, the study aims to identify the specific dopamine receptors involved in the development and persistence of TD. Researchers will employ advanced genetic and physiological techniques to measure dopamine activity in the brain, providing insights into how these medications affect movement control. The findings could lead to better treatment strategies for patients experiencing TD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that prevent or mitigate the involuntary movements associated with tardive dyskinesia.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of tardive dyskinesia, but this study aims to provide novel insights using advanced methodologies.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Nelson, Alexandra — University of California, San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Nelson, Alexandra

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.