# Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation

> **NIH NIH R01** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2022 · $401,250

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases are a growing concern worldwide as the consequences
are often lethal, or at best they leave patients incapacitated. Unfortunately, most patients with these
diseases do not respond to the current medications, and in the few cases that do work, they too can
eventually develop drug resistance. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a neurosurgical approach, has
become an effective treatment when traditional medicines are not an option. However, even DBS has
its limitations, as a large number of people do not respond to the treatment. Research using humans
and animal models suggests that the current brain locations into which DBS is directed are not
always adequate. As a first step towards identifying better targets for brain repair, we designed a
genetic toolkit in mice that provides a versatile method for generating mouse models for severe motor
disease. The toolkit is based on controlling the function of neural circuits in a brain region called the
cerebellum, a structure involved in motor and cognitive function and a susceptibility site in a growing
list of brain diseases. In Aim1, we will use a combination of these genetic models, high-resolution
anatomy and in vivo electrophysiology conducted in behaving mice to define neural signatures for
different motor diseases. In Aim2, we will use these neural signatures as biomarkers to test the
feasibility of providing targeted close-loop cerebellar DBS to eliminate motor deficits with fast
moment-to-moment precision. The ultimate goal of this work is to reverse the behavioral outcomes of
disease by correcting brain function and restoring mobility. The availability of additional treatment
options for incurable neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases will provide alternate healthcare
considerations for reducing the impact of disease and improving the quality of life of affected patients.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10465130
- **Project number:** 5R01NS119301-03
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Roy Vincent Sillitoe
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $401,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-30 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10465130

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10465130, Cerebellar Deep Brain Stimulation (5R01NS119301-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10465130. Licensed CC0.

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