Why brain cell connections fail and cause thinking problems in Huntington's disease
Molecular mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline in Huntington's disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11362629
This work looks at how changes in connections between brain cells lead to early thinking and memory problems in people with Huntington's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11362629 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project traces two main brain inputs to the striatum and how they break down in Huntington's disease, focusing on the dorsomedial striatum where cognitive problems arise. The team uses HD mouse models and molecular studies to identify which synapses are lost and what cellular changes drive that loss. They link those lab findings to human imaging and cognitive data to connect molecular damage with real thinking changes. The aim is to point to specific molecular steps that could become targets for future therapies to protect thinking and memory.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who carry the Huntington's gene mutation, especially those with early cognitive symptoms or pre-manifest gene carriers who can take part in imaging and cognitive testing.
Not a fit: People without Huntington's disease or those in very late stages with extensive irreversible brain degeneration may not directly benefit from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal molecular targets to preserve synapses and slow or prevent cognitive decline in people with Huntington's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human imaging studies have suggested loss of thalamo-striatal connections and links to cognition, but the specific molecular mechanisms remain largely untested and this project aims to fill that gap.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOMEZ-PASTOR, ROCIO — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: GOMEZ-PASTOR, ROCIO
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.