Multimodal MRI-derived biomarkers for ALS: insights from large-scale data

In ALS, we know that certain gene variants can increase the risk of developing the disease, but more research is needed to understand how these different genes influence the course of the disease and potentially contribute to differences in progression among individuals.

In this project by Dr. Kalra, advanced MRI brain scans will be used to explore how these ALS-related genes affect the brain’s shape, structure, and communication pathways. By combining brain imaging with genetic information, the team aims to uncover early changes that appear long before symptoms begin. Drawing data from large Canadian databases such as CALSNIC and CAPTURE ALS, as well as through a collaboration with a world-leading group from The Netherlands, the study will investigate people living with ALS who carry specific gene variants, as well as healthy adults who carry the same genes but have no symptoms. In an exploratory stage, using a database of the world’s largest paediatric neuroimaging cohort, the researchers will also examine whether children with these genetic variants displayed any subtle brain differences early in life.

Together, these groups will help reveal how ALS-linked genes influence the brain across life, and how related genes affect the brain’s shape, structure, and communication pathways. By identifying early pathological markers in the brain, this work could provide important paths to faster diagnosis, and perhaps even signatures that could help detect early ALS in individuals without a genetic variant. For those with genetic variants, it could support new avenues to develop personalized treatments. Ultimately, the findings may someday open the door to treating people with ALS before significant motor neuron damage occurs.

The ALS Canada Research Program is a proud supporter and funder of CALSNIC and CAPTURE ALS. CAPTURE ALS is a Canadian platform uniting people living with ALS, physicians, and researchers to create the most comprehensive biological picture of people with ALS. Data collected from CAPTURE ALS can provide us with the opportunity to significantly accelerate the development of effective biomarkers and treatments for the disease.

Read more about CAPTURE ALS.