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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $520,144 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS138499-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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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.