Understanding motor neuron damage in ALS patients
Official title: Identifying Upper Motor Neuron Pathology and Molecular Signatures in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Motor Cortex
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11055203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into what causes damage to the nerves that control movement in people with ALS, using advanced imaging and brain analysis to better understand the connection between brain changes and the symptoms you experience, all with the goal of improving how we diagnose and understand the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $227,205 |
| NIH project number | 1K23NS136786-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, particularly those with varying degrees of upper motor neuron involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological conditions or those without a diagnosis of ALS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying the underlying causes of motor neuron damage in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The approach combines advanced imaging techniques, including MRI, with postmortem analysis to explore the relationship between motor cortex pathology and clinical symptoms. By using innovative 3D-printed templates for brain sectioning, the study aims to correlate specific pathological features with observable signs in living patients. This comprehensive methodology seeks to enhance our understanding of ALS and improve diagnostic markers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for ALS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study ALS, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diaz, Frank — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Diaz, Frank
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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.