Investigating brain-derived vesicles for tracking ALS progression and environmental impacts.

Brain-derived extracellular vesicles as a novel source of biomarkers for disease progression and environmental exposure in ALS

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10732756

This study is looking at tiny particles in your blood to find clues about how ALS changes over time and how the environment might affect it, which could help improve how we track and treat the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10732756 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on analyzing brain-derived extracellular vesicles to identify potential biomarkers that could indicate disease progression and environmental exposure in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). By examining these vesicles, the study aims to uncover new insights into how ALS develops and progresses, which may lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies. Patients may be asked to provide blood samples, which will be analyzed for specific markers associated with ALS. The research employs advanced techniques in molecular biology and biochemistry to explore the relationship between these biomarkers and ALS.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders or those not diagnosed with ALS may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of ALS through the identification of reliable biomarkers.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of extracellular vesicles as biomarkers is a growing field, this specific approach in ALS is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.