Understanding the causes of protein aggregation in ALS and frontotemporal dementia
The Physical Biology of Neurodegeneration in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Frontotemporal Dementia
This study is looking into how certain proteins behave in people with ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia to find out what causes changes in the brain and muscles, which can help explain why these diseases affect everyone differently.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10896182 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the underlying mechanisms of sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), focusing on the aggregation of proteins like TDP-43. The study aims to identify what triggers this aggregation and how it affects cellular processes and communication within tissues. By examining the physical changes at the cellular and tissue levels, the research seeks to uncover the reasons behind the variability in clinical manifestations of these diseases. The approach includes analyzing the biophysical properties of cells and their microenvironment to better understand the pathology of ALS and FTD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with sporadic ALS or FTD.
Not a fit: Patients with familial forms of ALS or FTD may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and potential therapeutic targets for treating ALS and FTD.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on sporadic ALS and FTD is novel, similar research approaches have shown promise in understanding other neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phatnani, Hemali — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Phatnani, Hemali
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 below.