2015 Fellowship Recipient
The 2015 awardee of the Clinical Research Training Fellowship in ALS Research is Hristelina Ilieva, M.D., Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Rothstein.
Project Summary:
Dr. Ilieva’s research will examine a group of proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in people with ALS due to mutation in the C9orf72 gene, the most common genetic cause of ALS. The proteins they study include the so-called RAN peptides, which are unique products of the gene mutation, as well as other disease-related proteins that may be found in other forms of ALS as well. By characterizing the relevant amounts, distribution and life cycles of these proteins, Dr. Ilieva’s work will contribute to the development of accurate ALS biomarkers for disease onset, severity, progression and response to therapy. Such biomarkers are critical for advancing clinical trials of ALS treatments.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity that the Clinical Research Training Fellowship brings,” Dr. Ilieva said. “With the help of the award, I hope to acquire new skills and knowledge that will allow me to become a stronger clinician scientist. At the end of the day, we are all indebted to the patients with ALS. Their courage in fighting this disease is a strong motivator for me and the people I work with to do our best.”
