EUEmory University · Pharmacology
Progranulin Research Lab
Thomas L Kukar · Atlanta, Georgia
Research Focus
Dr. Thomas L. Kukar's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding the role of a protein called progranulin in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab studies how loss of this protein leads to problems in the lysosomes, which are cell structures responsible for breaking down waste, and how this dysfunction contributes to diseases. By exploring potential therapies using components of progranulin, the lab aims to develop treatments that could help those suffering from these conditions.
progranulinAlzheimer's diseasefrontotemporal dementialysosomal dysfunctionBatten diseaselipid metabolismgranulinsneurodegeneration
Research Aims
5AIM 01Explore how loss of progranulin causes lysosomal dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.
AIM 02Determine the therapeutic potential of granulins for treating Batten disease.
AIM 03Identify molecular defects caused by PGRN deficiency in iPSC-derived neurons.
AIM 04Elucidate how granulins modulate lysosomal lipid hydrolases.
AIM 05Investigate changes in lipid metabolism associated with PGRN deficiency.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemouse modelshuman induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) techniquesbiochemical assaysWestern blottingimmunoprecipitationlipid profilingmass spectrometrysystems biology analysisdata analysis
Output against the department
Publications67bottom 13% of dept.400th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.0kbottom 43% of dept.264th of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
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