Targeting mitochondrial calcium uptake to treat ALS
Official title: Using Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uptake as a Therapeutic Target for ALS
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11074123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how calcium in tiny parts of cells called mitochondria affects the worsening of ALS, and it hopes to find out if changing calcium levels can help improve muscle and nerve function for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $457,949 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127858-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074123 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mitochondrial calcium uptake in the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disease. The study aims to understand how mitochondrial dysfunction in motor neurons and skeletal muscle contributes to ALS and whether reducing mitochondrial calcium uptake can improve muscle and nerve function. Using specialized mouse models, researchers will selectively manipulate mitochondrial calcium levels to assess their impact on disease progression and potential therapeutic outcomes. This approach could lead to new strategies for treating ALS by targeting the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options that slow down or halt the progression of ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in other neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for ALS.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei-Lapierre, Lan — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Wei-Lapierre, Lan
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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.