Understanding how motor neurons become and stay specialized in ALS
Official title: Deciphering terminal selector functions in motor neurons: from worms to humans
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-11580041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how motor neurons acquire and keep their specialized identity to uncover new ways to help people with ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00NS140549-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11580041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with ALS or related motor neuron conditions and those who can contribute human samples or participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without motor neuron disease may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores the transcription factors that instruct motor neurons to develop and maintain their specific functions, using both worm and human data. By identifying direct gene targets of the UNC-3/EBF3 pathway in a non-biased way, the team aims to reveal how motor neurons become committed to their roles and how this process goes awry in ALS. The work involves molecular studies in model organisms and human-relevant systems to map which genes control motor neuron identity. Results could point to new targets for therapies that protect or restore motor neuron function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide new approaches to preserve motor neuron health and inform future therapies for ALS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in identifying terminal selector pathways, with broader validation ongoing in human systems.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Jayson Javell — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Jayson Javell
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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.