Understanding how a specific type of ALS spreads
Official title: Modeling the progression of SOD1-linked motor neuron disease
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10983750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a specific type of ALS, called SOD1-ALS, might spread through the body like a prion, affecting how quickly the disease progresses.
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 | December 15, 2015 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $355,663 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS092788-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research focuses on understanding the disease progression in patients with SOD1-linked ALS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without SOD1-linked ALS may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular research.
What this research studies
This research looks into how Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), particularly the SOD1-linked form, might spread through the nervous system in a way similar to how prions cause disease. We are studying how different genetic changes in SOD1 affect the speed at which weakness spreads in patients. Our work uses special mouse models where we can introduce substances from affected mice or human patients to see how they accelerate the disease. This helps us understand the mechanisms behind the disease's progression and why some forms of ALS spread faster than others.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to slow or stop the spread of ALS, especially for those with SOD1 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: The initial funding period of this award has already uncovered evidence supporting the prion-like characteristics of mutant SOD1 in accelerating paralysis in mouse models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakrabarty, Paramita — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Chakrabarty, Paramita
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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.