Investigating a protein's role in Salla disease and its symptoms

Phenotypic Analysis of SLC17A5 Neuromodulation in Salla Disease

['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN TUSCALOOSA · NIH-10807837

This study is looking at how changes in the SLC17A5 gene affect the development of Salla disease, which can cause problems like seizures and trouble with movement, using tiny worms to help understand the disease better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R03']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN TUSCALOOSA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TUSCALOOSA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10807837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on the SLC17A5 gene, which is crucial for transporting certain sugars in neurons. It aims to understand how mutations in this gene lead to Salla disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder that can cause symptoms like epilepsy and coordination issues. By using a model organism called Caenorhabditis elegans, researchers will study the effects of these mutations and how they contribute to the disease's progression. This approach allows for the examination of the disease without the early lethality seen in other models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Salla disease or related neurodegenerative disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of neurodegenerative diseases not related to SLC17A5 mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for Salla disease and related neurodegenerative conditions.

How similar studies have performed: While research on SLC17A5 is limited, similar studies on other rare genetic disorders have shown promise in understanding disease mechanisms and developing treatments.

Where this research is happening

TUSCALOOSA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.