Federal Grant Award Summary

Yale University received a $461,197 Project Grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853), awarded on March 17, 2026, with completion scheduled for February 29, 2028. The award supports the development of plasma-based biomarkers for stratifying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients into distinct molecular subtypes using small RNA signatures derived from astrocyte-enriched exosomes. The research leverages a unique collection of matched plasma samples and autopsied motor cortices from 50 ALS patients previously categorized into molecular subtypes to identify subtype-specific RNA signatures through RNA sequencing and machine learning approaches.

The project delivers a clinically applicable biomarker platform that enables patient stratification based on underlying disease mechanisms, with potential application to retrospective analysis of the HIMALAYA clinical trial data to identify subtype-specific treatment responses to RIPK1 inhibitor therapy. By enabling molecular-level patient classification in living ALS patients, this research aims to transform ALS clinical trial design and therapeutic development through personalized medicine approaches, ultimately increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes in future treatment interventions.