Energy metabolism in ALS and frontotemporal dementia
Regulated Energy Metabolism in ALS/FTD
This project looks at how changes in cellular energy pathways affect neurons in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10694599 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use powerful genetics in fruit flies to find genes that change how neurons handle energy and resist damage in ALS and frontotemporal dementia. They have identified modifiers in carbohydrate metabolism and nucleotide biosynthesis, highlighting the enzyme transketolase (TKT) and the pentose phosphate pathway that help cells meet energy needs and counter oxidative stress. The team combines genetic screens, molecular experiments, and comparison to human genetic data to prioritize pathways that could be targeted. Although most work is done in model systems, the goal is to point to drugs or strategies that could protect human neurons.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with ALS or frontotemporal dementia, especially those with known genetic forms of the diseases, are the most relevant group for these findings.
Not a fit: People without ALS/FTD or those with very advanced late-stage disease are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-based research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect neurons or slow disease by targeting cellular energy and oxidative stress pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that targeting metabolic and antioxidant pathways can protect neurons in model systems, but clinical therapies based on these approaches remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wharton, Kristi a — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Wharton, Kristi a
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.