Role of ataxin-3 polyadenylation site selection in ALS neuron toxicity and disease pathogenesis
Research Objective Here we will study the role of ataxin-3 alternative polyadenylation in the pathogenesis of ALS, and test if ASOs can reduce distal polyadenylation of ataxin-3 to rescue ALS…
Developing a Human Model of Sporadic ALS Using Machine Learning and Robotic Microscopy
Research Objective We will develop the first human stem cell model of sporadic ALS (sALS) to identify disease mechanisms in the most common form of ALS and to discover drugs…
Developing a universal CRISPR gene therapy approach to treat C9orf72 ALS
Research Objective Development of a CRISPR genome editing therapy for ALS caused by C9orf72 and the delivery vehicle required to bring this novel therapy to patients. Impact A cure for…
Development of a VAV2 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment for ALS
Research Objective Patient specific stem cells (iPSCs) to model ALS and identify a broadly acting therapeutic intervention Impact Heterogenous patient population, dire need for broadly acting therapeutic interventions Major Proposed…
C9orf72 repeat expansion-tuned allelic suppression by CRISPRi as an ALS therapy
Research Objective We aim to discover an adeno-associated viral (AAV) CRISPRi gene therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene. Impact This therapy…
Development of a new therapeutic for directing target specific stem cell migration and treatment
Research Objective A drug-stem cell combination therapy wherein the drug will direct and promote the delivery and distribution of stem cells to the disease site for the optimal therapeutic effect…
Development of a SYF2 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment for ALS
Research Objective We will develop an antisense oligonucleotide, or DNA therapy for diverse forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Impact ALS is fatal and incurable, and if successful, we will…
Development of AS-241, an UNC13A Targeting Antisense Oligonucleotide (ASO) Treatment for ALS, for IND-enabling Studies
Translational Candidate AS-241, an antisense oligonucleotide Area of Impact Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mechanism of Action AS-241 targets the cryptic exon (CE) of UNC13A and suppresses CE inclusion during RNA splicing,…
Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Stem Cell Transplants in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Translational Candidate Spinal cord injections of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived allogeneic neural stem cells (heNSCs) for treatment of ALS Area of Impact Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Mechanism…