Understanding how nerve cell dysfunction contributes to ALS and frontotemporal dementia
Official title: Excitability dysfunction mechanisms underlying the TDP43-dependent ALS and FTD pathogenesis
Funded at Wright State University · NIH-10835959 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how nerve cells work differently in people with ALS and frontotemporal dementia, focusing on a protein called TDP43, to help find better treatments for those affected by these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wright State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dayton, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $633,851 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131816-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10835959 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or frontotemporal dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases not related to ALS or FTD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of nerve cell excitability dysfunction in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). By using advanced mouse models that mimic the disease, the study aims to clarify conflicting findings about how nerve cells behave in these conditions. The researchers will focus on the role of a specific protein, TDP43, which is linked to the majority of ALS cases, to better understand its impact on nerve cell health and function. This could lead to insights that inform future treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that improve the quality of life for patients with ALS and FTD.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on ALS, this specific approach using the rNLS8 mouse model to study excitability dysfunction is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Wright State University
Dayton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elbasiouny, Sherif M — Wright State University
- Study coordinator: Elbasiouny, Sherif M
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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.