2023-24 LLL Impact Report - Flipbook - Seite 19
2023
POSTDOCTORAL
FELLOWSHIP AWARDS
Both recipients’ research focuses on a gene mutation called C9orf72, which is the most common
genetic mutation identi昀椀ed in individuals with ALS and is reported to be present in 40 to 50 percent of
patients with familial (hereditary) ALS and 昀椀ve to ten percent of patients with sporadic ALS.
“Dr. Han’s and Dr. Cammack’s work will offer answers to important questions about the genetic
mutation C9orf72 identi昀椀ed in individuals with ALS,” said Gaylon Morris, Live Like Lou Trustee and
Scienti昀椀c Research Committee chairman. “By supporting this early stage research, Live Like Lou
helps advance their research ideas and ensures multiple paths are explored as the science
community searches for treatments or a cure.”
DR. ALEXANDER
CAMMACK
DR. YIFU HAN
Dr. Yifu Han is a
postdoctoral fellow
under Dr. Justin Ichida
at the University of
Southern California.
Dr. Han previously
completed his
graduate work under
Dr. Dion Dickman at USC and is interested in
investigating disease mechanisms and new
therapeutic approaches for ALS, with a primary
focus on the neuroimmune system.
Dr. Han’s Research Project: Harnessing
neuroprotective microglia to slow neurodegeneration in C9orf72 ALS. This research project seeks
to identify a potential therapeutic target for ALS
associated with the C9orf72 mutation by
examining the role a group of immune cells
called microglia play in disease progression.
Research derived from this project will help
answer an important question about how
microglia contribute to disease onset and
progression and how modulating the levels of
good versus toxic microglia may lead to potential
therapies or treatments.
Dr. Cammack is a
postdoctoral research
fellow under Dr.
Adrian Isaacs at the
UK Dementia Research
Institute at University
College London.
Dr. Cammack previously completed his graduate
work under Dr. Tim Miller at Washington
University in St. Louis and is interested in studying
the relevance of molecular pathways in ALS.
Dr. Cammack’s Research Project:
Dysregulated lipid metabolism as an upstream
cause of neurodegeneration in ALS. This research
project seeks to understand how the C9orf72
mutation causes nerve cells to die in the brains
and spinal cords of individuals with ALS. This
award will allow Dr. Cammack to expand his
research to investigate the role of lipids in human
neurons and mouse models.
Research gleaned from this project will
reveal the mechanisms by which altered lipid
metabolism contribute to the development of
ALS and whether restoring proper lipid levels is
a viable therapeutic intervention for preventing
neurodegeneration from occurring.
d
“Both recipients’ work epitomizes our vision to leave ALS better than we found it,” said Live Like Lou
Executive Director Wendy Faust. “We’re thrilled to launch the second year of our postdoctoral awards
to strengthen our dedication to collaboration, research partnerships, unique instruction, and grant
opportunities not otherwise available to emerging ALS investigators.”
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