ALD Research

The University of Minnesota is the world’s largest transplant center for boys with cerebral ALD. They are uniquely positioned to advance ALD research with decades of expertise and extensive experience. The Minnesota Transplant Protocol for cerebral ALD is evidence-based, continuously improved, and is not available at other centers. Leveraging resources like the ALD National Registry, biorepository, and transplant database, Dr. Troy Lund and his team pioneer innovative treatments, predictive algorithms, and new therapies. These efforts include developing gene-based and non-transplant options, advancing transplant technologies, and fostering global collaboration to transform the future of ALD care. 

Dr. Troy Lund is committed to changing the practice of medicine by finding newer, safer treatments for patients with cerebral ALD. He has several active research projects focused on improving treatment options and outcomes for boys with ALD at every stage of disease – in both the clinic and the lab, utilizing a bench-to-bedside approach. He has also published on administrative issues, such as the limitations of the existing guidelines for carrier screening for X-linked conditions for families making reproductive planning decisions such as IVF.

In the lab, Dr. Lund has a longstanding interest in biomarkers and has published extensively on them throughout his career. He is currently working to identify predictive biomarkers, aiming to identify indicators that precede changes on MRI and determine which patients are most at risk for developing cerebral ALD. A new project focuses on validating a biomarker of IQ because it would be an invaluable tool for assessing the effectiveness of new therapies during clinical trials.

Additionally, Dr. Lund is investigating the mechanism of transplant, with a particular focus on peroxisome transfer. Dr. Lund’s groundbreaking research was the first to show that donor cells can transfer healthy peroxisomes to host cells with defective ones, offering a novel explanation for the success of transplants in treating cerebral ALD. In addition, Dr. Lund is exploring innovative strategies to enhance brain engraftment, a crucial step after allogeneic transplant or gene therapy, where infused cells must cross the blood-brain barrier to halt cerebral ALD. Dr. Lund is leading efforts to develop drugs that could improve this process, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy.

Dr. Lund is also exploring non-transplant options for treating cerebral ALD. His research is focused on therapies that could reduce inflammation and potentially diminish or eliminate gadolinium enhancement on MRIs, without the need for a transplant. Watch Dr. Lund's ALD Research Updates to learn more!