Understanding how microglia contribute to 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-10897724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells called microglia might affect the progression of ALS and frontotemporal dementia in people with a specific genetic 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) | $811,977 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS120331-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with ALS or FTD, particularly those with the C9orf72 genetic 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), particularly in patients with the C9orf72 genetic 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 activation can have beneficial effects in other neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Access for All in ALS: West Coordinating Center for ALS patient care and research
A national ALS research network is building a West Coast coordinating center to collect and study high-quality patient samples and data to speed better ALS therapies.
-
South African Manganese Exposure and Brain Health in a Long-Term Cohort
A study in an African community exposed to manganese pollution aims to understand whether exposure accelerates motor and thinking problems over time, with potential to guide protections for affected residents.
-
Brain network problems tied to memory and thinking in adults with Down syndrome
This project looks at why key brain cells and networks that support memory and self-awareness break down in adults with Down syndrome.
-
Manganese Pollution and Brain Health in African Communities
This grant studies whether environmental manganese exposure from a large South African smelter is linked to worsening motor and cognitive health in a defined African cohort.
-
Access for All in ALS — West Coordinating Center
This project builds a national network to collect clinical data and patient samples to speed development of new treatments for people living with ALS.
-
Microglia's role in C9orf72-linked ALS and frontotemporal dementia
This work looks at whether immune cells in the brain called microglia drive nerve-cell and synapse loss in people with C9orf72-related ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
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.