Understanding how MG53 helps muscles in ALS
Official title: Multifaceted role of MG53 in alleviating neuromuscular function decline in ALS
Funded at University of Texas Arlington · NIH-11114068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how a protein called MG53 might protect muscles and nerve connections in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,652 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129219-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for understanding the disease process in people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
We are looking into how ALS affects muscles, specifically focusing on damage to muscle membranes and the connections between nerves and muscles. Our work suggests that ALS involves widespread oxidative stress, which can harm the muscle's ability to repair itself. We've identified a protein, MG53, that is crucial for fixing these muscle membrane injuries. This project aims to understand how MG53 works and how its function is disrupted in ALS, potentially leading to new ways to protect muscle health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve muscle function and slow the progression of muscle weakness in individuals with ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that muscle damage and oxidative stress are important in ALS, and this work builds on those findings by exploring a specific repair mechanism.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Jingsong — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Jingsong
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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.