Maurizio Grassano, MD

2023 RICHARD OLNEY CLINICIAN SCIENTIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD IN ALS

Title/Institution: Neurologist and PhD Student, University of Turin

Project Title: “Exploring sex-specific genetic determinants and causal mechanisms in ALS”

Men have long been considered to be at increased risk for ALS, but the reasons for this increased risk are poorly understood, and it is currently unknown whether the genetic risk for ALS varies between men and women.

Dr. Grassano’s research will examine the relationship between sex and genetics in ALS. This study has the potential to identify the sex-specific biological factors underlying ALS in the two sexes. Understanding these sex-related mechanisms could further accelerate the pace of the discovery of ALS pathogenesis. In addition, these data will inform new personalized targets for drug discovery and development.