DYT1 is the most common monogenetic variant of generalized dystonia with a markedly reduced penetrance. So far, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the only effective symptomatic treatment option of DYT1 dystonia, but the mechanisms involved are still enigmatic.

Dystonia is thought to result from maladaptive plasticity within central motor circuits, which may be triggered by environmental stressors such as peripheral trauma or overuse in individuals with an intrinsic (genetic) predisposition.

We will induce dystonia-like movements by forelimb overuse in transgenic rats harboring the human DYT1 mutation, and will characterize the evolution of motor symptoms, DBS effects, and pathophysiological changes on various neurobiological levels.