Understanding how gut bacteria and immune responses affect ALS progression
Official title: RFA-TS-22-001: Interactions between the microbiome, metabolome, and immune system as underlying mechanisms of ALS pathogenesis
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10873658 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut, the substances your body makes, and your immune system work together in people with ALS, hoping to find new insights that could lead to better treatments and understanding of the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01TS000339-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873658 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases or those without a diagnosis of ALS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connections between the gut microbiome, metabolites, and the immune system in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By analyzing how these biological systems interact, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to the progression of ALS. Researchers will utilize existing data from ongoing ALS studies to identify patterns and associations that may inform future therapies. The goal is to enhance our understanding of ALS and potentially identify new biomarkers for the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets and improved treatment options for ALS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the microbiome in various diseases, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach to ALS.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murdock, Benjamin Joseph — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Murdock, Benjamin Joseph
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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.