NIH-funded research R01 grant

Identifying how neurofilament regulation and turnover work in ALS

Official title: Identifying mechanisms of neurofilament regulation and turnover in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Funded at Washington University · NIH-11364117 · Data updated 2026-11-12

AIMS to understand how neurofilaments behave in ALS to improve biomarkers and treatment strategies for people with ALS.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$520,144
NIH project number5R01NS138499-03
Project IDNIH-11364117 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

People diagnosed with ALS or related motor neuron diseases who may contribute samples or participate in biomarker-related research activities.

Less likely to help

The study focuses on mechanisms and biomarkers; direct therapeutic benefit to participants cannot be guaranteed.

What this research studies

This project studies the biology of neurofilaments in ALS, focusing on how they are modified, assembled, and broken down, and how these processes relate to disease progression. Researchers will develop and apply advanced proteomic methods to measure neurofilament fragments and their modifications in cerebrospinal fluid. The work builds on prior findings that neurofilament levels change with therapy and disease activity, seeking to improve biomarker reliability and potentially guide future therapies. The study takes place at Washington University in Saint Louis with a team led by Cindy V. Ly and collaborators, using human samples and disease-relevant models to understand mechanisms in ALS.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more precise biomarkers and better-targeted treatments for ALS patients.

How similar studies have gone: Prior antisense and biomarker studies in ALS have shown that biomarkers can reflect disease activity and treatment response in some cases.

Where this research is happening

  • Washington University
    Saint Louis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ly, Cindy V — Washington University
  • Study coordinator: Ly, Cindy V

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.