Investigating how brain hyperactivity affects the progression of frontotemporal dementia and ALS in mice
Official title: Understanding the relationship between cortical hyperexcitability and the progression of FTD/ALS pathology and behavioral deficits in mice
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10948230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how frontotemporal dementia and ALS affect the brain by observing mice, and it aims to find out if calming down overactive brain activity can help slow down the disease and improve behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $112,070 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AG088296-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic predispositions to frontotemporal dementia or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, particularly those with the C9orf72 gene mutation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to FTD or ALS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and its relationship with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by studying brain activity in mice. The researchers will monitor neuronal activity and its connection to behavioral changes and neuronal loss in a specific genetic model of FTD. They will also explore whether reducing excessive brain activity can slow down the progression of the disease and improve behavioral outcomes. Advanced techniques such as multiphoton microscopy and optogenetics will be utilized to gather detailed insights into these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that slow the progression of frontotemporal dementia and ALS, improving quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neuronal activity in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Algamal, Moustafa — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Algamal, Moustafa
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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.