Exploring the role of specific genes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain genes, particularly those in the MS4A family, may influence the development and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By examining the role of these genes in neuroinflammation, the study aims to uncover potential pathways that could lead to new treatments for ALS. Patients may be involved in providing biological samples or participating in assessments that help researchers understand the genetic factors associated with their condition. The approach combines genetic analysis with insights from both human and animal models to identify common mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
  Worcester, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Hiller, Abigail Jean — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
• Study coordinator: Hiller, Abigail Jean

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  This study is looking at how problems with DNA repair might contribute to conditions like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, and it’s testing ways to fix these issues in cells from patients to help develop new treatments.

  NIH research Methodist Hospital Research Institute · Houston, United States · NIH-9980670

• Understanding how work exposures and genes influence ALS risk

  A study is building a long-term group of people at higher risk for ALS to see how their jobs, exposures at work, and genes together affect if and when the disease might develop.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11631673

• NUZ-001: a treatment option for ALS to protect nerve cells

  A small molecule called NUZ-001 is being tested to help people with ALS by improving cell systems that keep proteins balanced and prevent harmful protein clumps.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11564156

• Alpha5 integrin's role in ALS: how a cell switch worsens disease

  Aims to understand how a specific protein called alpha5 integrin in immune cells affects ALS progression and whether blocking it can help extend life.

  NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11540166

• C9orf72 ALS/FTD Prevent: prepping for future treatment

  This grant aims to get ready for a preventive treatment for people who carry the C9orf72 genetic change that can lead to ALS or frontotemporal dementia.

  NIH research University of Miami School of Medicine · Coral Gables, United States · NIH-11431628

• Air pollutants and ALS: mapping environmental links to motor neuron disease

  This NIH grant explores whether different air pollutants are linked to the development of ALS and uses a large U.S. data set to look for environmental risk factors.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11423391

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.