Problems with the LDH enzyme weaken motor nerves and speed up ALS
Compromised LDH activity causes motor deficits and hastens ALS progression
This research looks at whether loss of an enzyme called LDH in nerve-supporting cells and motor neurons makes motor nerves fail and worsens ALS symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my view as a patient, the team used genetic mouse models to remove LDH from Schwann cells and motor neurons and watched how motor axons fared over time. They saw progressive motor-nerve loss and faster, ALS-like disease when LDH was missing, while sensory nerves were less affected. The researchers also found rare LDHB changes in some people with ALS, linking the mouse findings to patients. Next they plan experiments to pin down how LDH loss harms motor axons and whether restoring lactate support could protect them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with ALS—especially those with early motor symptoms or who carry rare LDHB variants—would be most relevant to future related studies.
Not a fit: People with purely sensory neuropathies or forms of ALS not driven by LDH-related mechanisms may be less likely to benefit from the approaches this project targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this work could point to new ways to protect motor nerves in ALS by restoring LDH activity or improving lactate support.
How similar studies have performed: Related mouse studies support the idea that glial-to-axon lactate support matters for nerve health, but targeting LDH in people is a newer and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milbrandt, Jeffrey D — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Milbrandt, Jeffrey D
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.