Understanding how muscle signaling affects ALS progression

Sustained Smad signaling in ALS muscle promotes disease progression through a dysregulated miRNA transcriptome

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · BIRMINGHAM VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11003654

This study is looking at how problems with communication between muscles and nerves might affect the progression of ALS, and it's for people with ALS to help find better ways to diagnose and monitor the disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBIRMINGHAM VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11003654 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of muscle signaling in the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurodegenerative disease. It aims to uncover how disruptions in communication between muscle fibers and motor neurons contribute to disease onset and progression. By analyzing skeletal muscle from ALS patients, the study seeks to identify molecular biomarkers that could help in diagnosing and monitoring the disease. The research also focuses on the immune response in the neuromuscular system, which may play a critical role in ALS pathology.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases or those without a diagnosis of ALS may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for ALS patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding muscle involvement in ALS, but this specific approach to identifying biomarkers is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.