Understanding different forms of frontotemporal dementia and TDP-43 brain disease
From Molecules To Complex Syndromes: Using Networks to Understand Heterogeneity in FTD-TDP and Aging
Researchers are combining molecular, brain-tissue, genetic, and life-history data to find clearer diagnostic markers and patterns for people with frontotemporal dementia, ALS, and related age‑related TDP-43 conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11265584 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program links tiny molecular changes in human brain tissue up to whole-person symptoms for frontotemporal degeneration and related TDP-43 diseases. Teams will analyze donated brain samples, genetic information, clinical records, and environmental (exposome) data and use network-style computational methods to map how different factors produce varied disease presentations. The work spans nanoscale imaging and molecular profiling through population-level patterns and explicitly includes ALS because TDP-43 pathology is shared. For patients, that means aiming for biomarkers that can identify the underlying pathology during life and point to better-targeted treatments and trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia syndromes, primary progressive aphasia, ALS, or individuals willing to donate brain tissue or share clinical and genetic data would be most relevant for participation.
Not a fit: People with unrelated neurological conditions or those expecting immediate treatment effects are unlikely to see direct benefit from this primarily translational and basic-science research program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce biomarkers and clearer diagnostic labels that help doctors match people to the right therapies and clinical trials.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have established TDP-43 as central to many cases of FTD and ALS, but combining nanoscale molecular maps with exposome and network approaches is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmillan, Corey T — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mcmillan, Corey T
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.