Region-specific effects of pathology and vocal training on vocalization in a preclinical mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Voice and communication deficits are common in Parkinson’s disease. They occur early in the disease process, are progressive in nature, and significantly impact the quality of life of individuals by increasing stress, social isolation, and family/caregiver burden. However, despite their impact, vocalization deficits are rarely the focus of preclinical studies and are unimproved by current medical treatments that focus on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. Our failure in treatment development exists because we do not currently know the underlying mechanisms responsible for the complex vocalization deficits that occur in Parkinson’s disease. This gap in knowledge highlights the need for research that addresses vocalization deficits with an approach that allows for specific manipulation of different parts of the neurophysiological pathways involved in vocalization. Therefore, the goal of this project is to use a preclinical mouse model that allows for region-specific induction of pathology within discrete areas of the nigrostriatal and cranial sensorimotor system. Using this model, we will determine the specific vocalization deficits that result when pathology is present in the nigrostriatal system versus when pathology is present in the cranial sensorimotor system. We will also determine the modulatory effect of vocal training on region-specific vocalization deficits and underlying pathology. Results will provide a critical and necessary foundational understanding of the underlying mechanisms that lead to early voice and communication deficits in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, results of this proposal will aid in the development of no vel approaches to diagnose and treat voice and communication deficits related to Parkinson’s disease. Project Number: 1R01NS144169-01A1 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) | Principal Investigator: Allison Schaser | Institution: PURDUE UNIVERSITY, WEST LAFAYETTE, IN | Award Amount: $583,633 | Activity Code: R01 | Study Section: Motor Function, Speech and Rehabilitation Study Section[MFSR] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11361761