Investigating how a specific immune pathway in neurons affects ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
Resolving the Role of Neuronal STING in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia
This study is looking at how a specific pathway in brain cells might be linked to diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, focusing on how damage to certain genes can trigger this pathway and possibly lead to nerve cell problems, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10606865 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the STING pathway in neurons and its impact on neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The study focuses on how DNA damage, particularly from the C9orf72 gene and TDP-43 protein, activates STING in neurons, potentially leading to neurodegeneration. By examining human brain samples and using advanced models, the researchers aim to understand the relationship between STING activation and disease progression. This could provide insights into new therapeutic targets for these conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with ALS or frontotemporal dementia, particularly those with genetic links to the C9orf72 gene.
Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases not related to ALS or frontotemporal dementia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent the progression of ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of STING in myeloid cells has been studied, this investigation into neuronal STING is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wainger, Brian Jason — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wainger, Brian Jason
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 below.