Investigating neuron dysfunction in ALS and its impact on motor control
Official title: Corticospinal Neuron Dysfunction and Degeneration in ALS: Testing the Role of Corticomotor Connectivity in Motor Neuron Disease
Funded at Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst · NIH-10991312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the loss of certain brain cells affects movement in people with ALS, using mice to learn more about the connections between these cells and the ones that control movement, with hopes of finding new ways to help treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White Plains, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $586,828 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119508-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or related motor neuron diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological conditions unrelated to ALS may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the degeneration of corticospinal neurons (CSNs) affects motor control in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By using mouse models, the study aims to analyze the connections between CSNs and motor neurons, which are crucial for movement. The researchers will explore how these connections form and function in ALS, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets. This investigation could lead to a better understanding of the disease and inform future treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapies that improve motor function in ALS patients.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores a novel approach to understanding ALS, similar studies have shown promise in elucidating the role of neuronal connections in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst
White Plains, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yoshida, Yutaka — Winifred Masterson Burke Med Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Yoshida, Yutaka
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
T cell roles in a rare juvenile ALS form (SETX-related)
A study to understand how immune cells, especially CD8 T cells, influence a rare juvenile form of ALS caused by SETX mutations.
-
Investigating how motor neurons contribute to premature death in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
A study at Baylor College of Medicine is exploring why people with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 also develop muscle weakness and breathing problems, and how motor neurons are involved.
-
Understanding how sphingolipid changes cause immune-nerve damage in ALS
A Johns Hopkins team tests how abnormal lipid production may drive motor neuron disease in people with ALS, using patient-derived cells and mouse models.
-
Blocking EphA4 to protect motor neurons in ALS
This project develops and refines drug-like molecules that target the EphA4 protein to try to protect motor neurons in people with ALS.
-
Early causes of frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease
Researchers are using donated brain tissue from people with genetic and non-genetic frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease to find early changes that lead to TDP-43 protein problems.
-
Motor neuron causes of weakness and breathing problems in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
Seeing if damage to motor neurons explains muscle weakness, trouble breathing and early death in people with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.
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.