# Administrative Supplement - Novel Protein Aggregation Inhibitors and Upper Motor Neuron Stabilizers for ALS and other Neurodegenerative Diseases

> **NIH NIH R01** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $120,000

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Our collaborative efforts between the Ozdinler and Silverman Laboratories began to reveal the
presence of small molecules that can reduce protein aggregation and improve the health of upper
motor neurons that are diseased due to misfolded SOD1 toxicity and TDP-43 pathology. We are
setting the stage for a cell-based and mechanism-focused drug discovery effort that utilizes upper
motor neuron health as a readout. Recently, we also revealed the importance of ion channel
homeostasis for upper motor neuron stability and how cortical connectivity is an important aspect
of their health and function. Here, we apply to acquire a new equipment, which will allow us to
assay and investigate potential improvements in cortical connectivity upon compound
administration. Current studies investigate the stability and the cellular integrity of upper motor
neurons by studying at cell/neuron structure. However, it is most desirable to reveal whether
compound treatments also lead to improved cortical connectivity and function. Novel equipment,
which measure field potentials, propagation of connectivity within different regions of the brain at
a layer and even at a cellular level resolution has the potential to add tremendous impact to the
RO1 grant we currently have.
 As we continue our investigations on small molecule controls over upper motor neuron
health and stability, –via reduced protein aggregation–, we believe that investigation of their
neuronal activity at a cellular level, and more broadly within the cortical network, will have an
immense impact on our proposal.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10451057
- **Project number:** 3R01AG061708-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Pembe Hande Ozdinler
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $120,000
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10451057

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10451057, Administrative Supplement - Novel Protein Aggregation Inhibitors and Upper Motor Neuron Stabilizers for ALS and other Neurodegenerative Diseases (3R01AG061708-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10451057. Licensed CC0.

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