Understanding how microglia affect ALS and frontotemporal dementia
Official title: Microglia contribution to disease pathogenesis in C9orf72 ALS/FTD
Funded at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center · NIH-11084317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of brain cell called microglia might affect the progression of ALS and frontotemporal dementia in people with a specific gene mutation, to help us understand how these conditions develop and find new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $64,322 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS120331-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with ALS or frontotemporal dementia, particularly those with the C9orf72 gene mutation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to ALS or FTD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of microglia, a type of immune cell in the brain, in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) associated with the C9orf72 gene mutation. The study aims to understand how microglia activation correlates with cognitive decline and FTD-like symptoms in ALS patients. By examining brain tissue from affected individuals, researchers will explore the differences in microglial function based on genetic factors and how these cells interact with neurons. This could lead to insights into the mechanisms of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that target microglial dysfunction, potentially improving outcomes for patients with ALS and FTD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting microglial function can lead to improvements in models of neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may hold promise.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sattler, Rita — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sattler, Rita
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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.