Central network mechanism of overuse dystonia in genetically-predisposed rodents (A06)

• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology ; Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 424778381

DYT1 is the most common monogenic form of dystonia, which lacks a clear pathophysiology and a causal therapy. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective symptomatic treatment for DYT1 dystonia, its mechanisms remain unknown. We will focus on a systematic investigation of the involvement of specific brain regions, as identified through FDG-PET, contributing to dystonia. Ablation and chemo-genetic tools will dissect circuit elements, and state-of-the-art DBS tools such as volume of tissue activated (VTA) simulation, probabilistic mapping, and circuit-inspired burst stimulation will be applied. Molecular imaging using additional PET tracers will assess neurotransmitter changes, and a translational approach will compare rat and human dystonia movement patterns.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 295: Retuning dynamic motor network disorders using neuromodulation
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Takahiro Higuchi; Professor Dr. Chi Wang Ip