Investigating aging cells in the brains of ALS patients
Official title: High Resolution Profiling of Senescent Cells in ALS Brain and Spinal Cord
Funded at W G Hefner VA Medical Center · NIH-10950338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in people with ALS might age in a way that affects their function, by examining brain and spinal cord samples after death to find out how stress on these cells relates to the disease's progression, which could help discover new ways to treat ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | W G Hefner VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salisbury, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005717-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, particularly those with varying neuropathological characteristics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases that do not involve ALS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain brain cells in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) may enter a state of senescence, which is a form of aging that can lead to cell dysfunction. By examining postmortem brain and spinal cord samples from ALS patients, the study aims to explore the relationship between cellular stress responses and the progression of ALS. Utilizing advanced profiling technology, researchers will analyze the presence of specific proteins that may contribute to the degeneration of motor neurons over time. This could provide insights into the mechanisms behind ALS and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for slowing down or preventing the progression of ALS.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of cellular senescence in ALS is a relatively novel approach, similar studies in other neurodegenerative diseases have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
W G Hefner VA Medical Center
Salisbury, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orr, Miranda Ethel — W G Hefner VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Orr, Miranda Ethel
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.