A recent study published in The Journal of Neuroscience has provided new insights into the role of Dopamine Receptor 2 (D2R) in motor control. Researchers from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and Seoul National University used optogenetics—a technique that uses light to control neuron activity—to selectively activate D2R in animal models. Their findings revealed that D2R has a more complex role in regulating movement than previously understood, which could have significant implications for developing treatments for movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

This study is notable as the first 2025 publication using our mouse model. The use of our models highlights the critical role these models play in studies requiring precise genetic control to investigate complex brain functions.

Understanding how D2R influences motor control could pave the way for more targeted therapies that improve patients' quality of life. Current treatments for disorders like Parkinson’s often rely on broad approaches that can lead to side effects, such as involuntary movements or medication tolerance. By providing a more detailed picture of D2R’s function, this research may help guide the development of therapies that restore motor function while minimizing adverse effects.

In addition to advancing knowledge of the brain's motor circuits, the study demonstrates how access to advanced research tools, such as optogenetics and well-characterized mouse models, can accelerate discoveries that translate into potential medical breakthroughs. This type of research represents a critical step toward more effective, personalized care for individuals living with motor disorders.

Source: Optogenetic Control of Dopamine Receptor 2 Reveals a Novel Aspect of Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in Motor Function