Understanding How Cells Protect Themselves in ALS and FTD

Mechanisms of Novel Regulators of Proteotoxicity and Quality Control Associated with ALS/FTD

['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11014065

This work explores new ways cells protect themselves from harmful proteins linked to diseases like ALS and FTD.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11014065 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many brain diseases like ALS and FTD are linked to proteins that fold incorrectly and clump together, harming brain cells. Our team has found new ways that cells naturally try to clean up these harmful proteins. This project aims to understand exactly how these newly discovered cellular clean-up systems work. By learning more about these protective mechanisms, we hope to find new targets for treatments that could help cells fight off these damaging proteins. We use special laboratory models, including C. elegans and mammalian cells, to uncover these important cellular processes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is ultimately aimed at helping individuals living with neurodegenerative conditions such as ALS and frontotemporal dementia.

Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct medical treatment or immediate benefit from participating in this laboratory-based research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies for ALS and FTD by boosting the brain's natural ability to clear harmful proteins.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recent breakthrough observations by the research team, exploring novel pathways that are not yet fully understood.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.