Investigating how astrocytes influence the risk of developing cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.

Use of IPSC to define role of astrocytes in specifying risk for onset of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy

['FUNDING_R01'] · HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM · NIH-10879158

This study is looking at how a specific type of brain cell called astrocytes behaves in people with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) to find clues that could help improve treatment and management of the condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorHENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DETROIT, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10879158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to understand the role of astrocytes, a type of brain cell, in the progression of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) from benign to severe forms. By using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients, researchers will study the metabolic differences in astrocytes from individuals with different X-ALD phenotypes. The goal is to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could help predict and treat this condition more effectively. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better management strategies for X-ALD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are male patients diagnosed with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, particularly those exhibiting either the cerebral or adrenomyeloneuropathy phenotypes.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of adrenoleukodystrophy or those without a diagnosis of X-ALD may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prognostic indicators and new treatment options for patients with X-ALD.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach using iPSCs to study astrocytes in X-ALD is relatively novel, similar methodologies have shown promise in other neurological conditions.

Where this research is happening

DETROIT, 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 →

Conditions: Addison disease-cerebral sclerosis syndrome, Addison disease-spastic paraplegia syndrome, Addison-Schilder syndrome

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.