Understanding why nerve cells in ALS and FTD misfire and how to help them
Official title: Excitability dysfunction mechanisms underlying the TDP43-dependent ALS and FTD pathogenesis
Funded at Wright State University · NIH-11386359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand why motor neurons become over- or under-responsive in ALS and related brain disorders using a mouse model that mimics human disease.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $633,851 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131816-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with ALS or ALS-FTD who may benefit from advances in understanding disease mechanisms and future therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Current patients may not directly receive a therapy from this study, but findings aim to guide future treatments.
What this research studies
This project uses a newer mouse model that shows TDP-43 protein inclusions, similar to those found in many ALS and FTD patients. Researchers will compare how motor neurons respond to signals in this model to better explain why they lose function. The work involves detailed measurements of neuron excitability in the brain and spinal cord, to see when and where changes occur. By mapping these excitability patterns, the study hopes to identify potential targets for therapies that could protect neurons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to stabilize motor neuron activity and slow disease progression in ALS and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show conflicting results, but recent work suggests simultaneous hypo- and hyperexcitability can occur, informing this dual-phenotype approach.
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
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.