Brain immune changes in ALS and FTD linked to TDP-43
Investigating Dysfunction of Neuroimmune-Related Processes in Models of ALS/FTD TDP-43
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11306574
This work looks at how brain immune cells respond to TDP-43 problems and mild head injury in models of ALS and frontotemporal dementia to help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11306574 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You should know this project uses mice that carry the same TDP-43 changes seen in ALS and FTD and gives them a mild concussion to model how head injury affects disease. Researchers compare those mice to normal mice using behavioral tests, immune-cell studies, and broad molecular analyses (omics) to find which pathways are altered. They focus on microglia and innate immune sensors that detect nucleic acids, because these immune changes may drive nerve-cell damage and poor recovery. Understanding these pathways could point to new treatment targets or ways to protect the brain after injury for people at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with ALS or frontotemporal dementia, especially those with known TDP-43 pathology or a history of mild traumatic brain injury, are the human groups most likely to benefit from follow-up research.
Not a fit: People without ALS/FTD, without TDP-43-related disease, or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment will not get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to immune pathways to target with therapies that slow ALS/FTD progression or improve recovery after head injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and lab studies have shown immune and microglial changes in ALS/FTD, but translating these findings into effective human treatments is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOSCO, DARYL ANGELA — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: BOSCO, DARYL ANGELA
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease