Neuronal STING and its impact on ALS and frontotemporal dementia
Resolving the Role of Neuronal STING in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia
This project looks at whether activation of a neuron immune sensor called STING contributes to nerve cell damage in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia, especially those with C9orf72 or TDP‑43 changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10809796 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers observed higher levels of STING in neurons from people with C9orf72-related disease and in experimental models, and they will map where STING is increased across affected brain regions. They will compare STING levels with signs of DNA damage and with other disease features linked to C9orf72 and TDP‑43. To test cause and effect, the team will use mouse models, AAV tools to target neurons, and human iPSC-derived neurons made from people with ALS to turn off or modify neuronal STING and watch the outcomes. The combined use of human tissue, stem cell–derived neurons, and animal models is meant to show whether neuronal STING drives degeneration or is a bystander.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with ALS or frontotemporal dementia, particularly those known to have C9orf72 expansions or TDP‑43 pathology, would be the most relevant population for this work.
Not a fit: People without ALS or FTD or whose disease is caused by unrelated mechanisms may not gain direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If neuronal STING is driving degeneration, targeting it could lead to new therapies that slow or prevent nerve cell loss in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked STING-related inflammation to neurodegeneration via immune cells, but targeting STING specifically in neurons is a new and largely untested approach.
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.