ALS Canada and Brain Canada invest more than $1.1 million to fuel discoveries and understanding of ALS

The ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grants will fund eight Canadian research projects that aim to advance progress and innovation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research

Eight Canadian research projects have been awarded funding to drive progress and innovation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research through the 2024 ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grant Program, with a total investment of $1,170,000 from the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) and Brain Canada

The ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grant Program provides the research community with crucial funding for projects focused on identifying causes of ALS, treatments for ALS or related neurological diseases, and avenues to maximize function, minimize disability, and optimize the quality of life for the nearly 4,000 Canadians and their families living with ALS. 
 

We are incredibly grateful to partner with Brain Canada to fund these eight Discovery Grants, providing vital support for researchers to pursue ideas that will deepen our understanding of ALS, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective treatments. These projects demonstrate the collaborative efforts of the ALS community, uniting researchers from different institutions to explore innovative ideas. By working together, we can drive progress toward a world free of ALS.

Dr. David Taylor, Chief Scientific Officer at ALS Canada

Since the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, ALS Canada and Brain Canada have partnered to maximize the funding available to impact ALS research. Together, they have funded more than 60 ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grants.

These pioneering projects, led by teams across Canada, are pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery on a global scale. Our unique partnership with ALS Canada has the potential to transform ALS diagnosis and treatment, uncovering new insights that could change lives. We are immensely proud to contribute to this groundbreaking work.

Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada

Summary of the 2024 ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grants:

A stimulating trial: Can magnetic pulses treat overexcited neurons in ALS?  
Novel Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Paradigm to reduce cortical hyperexcitability in patients with ALS    
Dr. Agessandro Abrahao, Dr. Lorne Zinman, and Dr. Sean Nestor, at Sunnybrook Research Institute, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Chen, Dr. Clement Hamani, Dr. Nir Lipsman, Dr. Kelvin Jones, Dr. Sahara Khademullah, Dr. Yves De Koninck, Dr. Janice Robertson, and Dr. Jamie Near, awarded $125,000 over two years

Fishing for answers: Tackling a juvenile form of ALS 
Investigating therapeutic approaches for SPTLC1 ALS variants using zebrafish models    

Dr. Gary Armstrong, at McGill University, in collaboration with Dr. Eric Shoubridge, awarded $125,000 over two years 

A brainy approach: Repurposing cancer drugs to rescue neurons in ALS and FTD 

Exploring a therapeutic approach to promote neuronal function for ALS   
Dr. Liliana Attisano, at the University of Toronto, in collaboration with Dr. Janice Robertson, awarded $125,000 over two years

Apt’ly targeted: DNA aptamers to tackle toxic TDP-43 in ALS 

Selection of DNA aptamers for inhibition of protein aggregation in ALS  

Dr. Maria DeRosa, at Carleton University, in collaboration with Dr. James Shorter, awarded $120,000 over two years 

Breaking the ALS surface tension: Unravelling the function of RNA-binding proteins 
Studying the involvement of cell surface RNA binding proteins in ALS pathogenesis 
Dr. Eric Lécuyer, at Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), in collaboration with Dr. Christine Vande Velde, awarded $125,000 over two years 
 

On a FUSt track to understanding the spread of toxic aggregates in ALS 

Investigating the templated propagation and impact of pathogenic FUS in hiPSCs-derived cerebral organoids  
Dr. Guy Rouleau, at McGill University, in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Dion and Dr. Chantelle Sephton, awarded $125,000 over two years 
 

Stressing the connection between stress granules and ALS 
Stress granules: neuroprotective or neurotoxic in ALS pathogenesis? 
In partnership with Dr. Jean-Pierre Canuel Fund – SLA Québec and Brain Canada. Dr. Christine Vande Velde, at Centre Hospitalier de l’Universite de Montreal – CHUM, in collaboration with Dr. Richard Robitaille, awarded $300,000 over three years 
 

Understanding the preferred place of death and caregivers’ associated role in ALS  
A multi-methods multi-site study of end-of-life care in individuals with ALS: goal concordance and caregiver perceptions   
Dr. Christine Watt, at Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Dr. Michael Bonares, at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, in collaboration with Dr. Jocelyn Zwicker, Dr. Andrea Parks, Dr. Breffni Hannon, and Dr. Wenshan Li, awarded $125,000 over two years  

Funding for one Discovery Grant was made possible by the Dr. Jean-Pierre Canuel Fund – ALS Quebec, who generously contributed $150,000 to ALS Canada, which was matched by Brain Canada through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF). 
 

For more information on these funded projects, visit als.ca. 

About ALS Canada and the ALS Canada Research Program 
 
The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) is working to change what it means to live with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an unrelenting and currently terminal disease. 

Grounded in and informed by the Canadian ALS community, we respond to the urgent unmet need for life-changing treatments by investing in high-quality research that will fuel scientific discovery and by engaging industry, supporting increased clinical capacity and advocating for equitable, affordable, and timely access to proven therapies. 

Responding to the tremendous need for current and credible ALS knowledge, awareness, and education, we empower Canadians affected by ALS to navigate the current realities of ALS, be informed consumers of ALS information, and advocate effectively for change. 

Through the ALS Canada Research Program, we fund peer-reviewed research grants, foster collaboration and build capacity within Canada’s ALS research and clinical community, and invest in new areas of research positioned to have high impact. As the only national dedicated source of funding for ALS research across Canada, the ALS Canada Research Program aims to accelerate research impact by providing funding for the most promising ALS projects focused on translating scientific discoveries into treatments for ALS. We are grateful for the support of our donors and the contributions from participating provincial ALS Societies through the Walk to End ALS. 

About Brain Canada 
 
Brain Canada plays a unique and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people in Canada and around the world.

The Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF) is an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation, which increases Canadians’ support for brain research and expands the philanthropic space for funding brain research to achieve maximum impact.