How cyanotoxins may harm nerve cells in ALS
Official title: Revealing the Mechanisms of Acute and Chronic Cyanotoxic Mixture-induced Neurotoxicity
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11448850 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how shared toxins from cyanobacteria might worsen nerve damage in people with ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $454,477 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES038200-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448850 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with ALS or individuals at risk due to environmental toxin exposure may benefit from advances in this area.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly benefit individuals with other neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to cyanotoxins.
What this research studies
ALS can disrupt both movement and sensing. The project uses zebrafish to explore how BMAA and MCLR toxins interact and shape brain and nerve circuits, aiming to connect early exposure to later motor-sensory problems. It looks at how these toxins affect relay of signals and behavior from development through adulthood, with the goal of understanding mechanisms that could drive ALS progression. The findings could point to new ways to protect nerves or reduce toxin-related risks for people affected by ALS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding toxin interactions could lead to new strategies to prevent or slow ALS progression in people exposed to cyanotoxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows environmental toxins can alter neural circuits, but the combined effects of BMAA and MCLR in relation to ALS are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marsden, Kurt C. — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Marsden, Kurt C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Brewing anti-toxin drugs using probiotic yeast
A studying team will develop probiotic yeast–based anti-toxin drugs to help treat gut bacterial infections and reduce antibiotic-related complications.
-
Small Ruminant Therapeutic Center to Speed Safe Drugs for Sheep and Goats
A pilot project at a university will help scientists and veterinarians speed up and improve how drugs are tested and approved for sheep and goats.
-
Metabolic effects of PFAS exposure in the Cape Fear Basin (GenX Exposure Study)
This NIH grant studies how PFAS chemicals in drinking water may affect metabolism and weight-related health in adults and children living along the Cape Fear River.
-
Understanding how Fe/2OG enzymes make pharmacophores like cyclopropane, aziridine, and isonitrile groups
A research project at a university aims to uncover how nonheme-iron enzymes create key drug-building rings and groups to help develop better biocatalysts and medicines.
-
Hemostatic B-knob Microgels for Pediatric Bleeding
A kid-friendly hemostatic therapy using age-tuned microgels to stop dangerous bleeding after injury in children.
-
Copper control tools to study brain health and diseases
A doctor-scientist team is making precise chemical tools to control copper in the body, with a focus on brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
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.