Investigating brain changes in frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease.
Official title: Deep Pathological Phenotyping in Frontotemporal Dementia and Motor Neuron Disease.
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10449356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain biological factors affect brain health in people with frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease, by examining brain tissue samples to better understand what makes these conditions unique and how they progress, and it includes both patients and healthy individuals to get a complete picture.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $848,236 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS104437-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10449356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia or motor neuron disease, particularly those with the C9ORF72 genetic expansion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurodegenerative diseases unrelated to FTD or MND may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the biological factors that contribute to neurodegeneration in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and motor neuron disease (MND). By examining brain tissue samples, the study aims to identify key predictors of disease progression and the mechanisms behind the unique vulnerabilities observed in these conditions. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including histology and single nucleus transcriptomics, to analyze the relationship between specific proteins and neuronal damage. Patients with FTD and MND, as well as healthy controls, will be included to provide a comprehensive view of the disease spectrum.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for patients with frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neurodegenerative diseases through similar pathological phenotyping approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seeley, William W — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Seeley, William W
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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.