Biomarker test for early ALS diagnosis using Nano-QuIC detection of misfolded TDP-43
Official title: Biomarker Study in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for Early Detection of Misfolded TDP-43 through Nano-QuIC Assays
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11358045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new blood, spinal fluid, or nasal swab test using Nano-QuIC aims to detect misfolded TDP-43 early in people at risk for ALS to speed up diagnosis and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,782,882 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS149366-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with ALS or suspected ALS, and healthy controls or individuals with other conditions causing similar symptoms, may participate through sample collection.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals with non-ALS conditions or those not providing usable samples may not benefit from this diagnostic test.
What this research studies
This project focuses on developing a simple, reliable test to detect misfolded TDP-43 protein in ALS patients as early as possible. Researchers will first validate the test on brain tissue from people who died of ALS, then apply it to spinal fluid, blood, and nose swabs to see if ALS can be distinguished from healthy people and other conditions. The goal is to create a diagnostic tool that can be used in clinics to shorten the diagnostic delay and enroll patients in trials sooner. The study uses established lab methods to optimize accuracy and reliability across sample types.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive an earlier and more accurate diagnosis, accelerate access to treatments and clinical trials, and reduce the time to appropriate care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in ALS biomarkers has shown promise, but this study tests a novel Nano-QuIC approach for multiple sample types and early detection.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walk, David — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Walk, David
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.