Understanding the role of specific astrocytes in brain function and behavior
Official title: Functions and mechanisms of a subpopulation of striatal astrocytes
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10991671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special brain cells called astrocytes to understand how they help control movement and actions, which could lead to new treatments for brain diseases that affect these functions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $334,688 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134926-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with basal ganglia diseases or related neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to basal ganglia function or those without neurological disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a unique group of astrocytes in the brain, specifically focusing on their roles in regulating neural circuits and influencing behaviors related to movement and goal-directed actions. By examining how these astrocytes function and their molecular characteristics, the study aims to uncover their contributions to brain health and disease. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze astrocyte behavior in relation to various neural circuits, which could provide insights into how disruptions in these cells may lead to neurological disorders. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting astrocyte function in brain diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders by targeting astrocyte functions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of astrocytes in brain function, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khakh, Baljit — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Khakh, Baljit
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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.